#didn't quite get her iconic stare right

[emioliravioli]

ok so i wasn't planning on posting this, but it's been a bit since i made it and i still like it, so why not?

(fanart of @paper-mario-wiki's mouse fursona, Ambrosia, and the woman herself!)

(based on this ^^)

[l0vegl0wsinthedark]

Zoom In.

Muggle AU, professor of 18C literature and poetry Draco, celebrity Harry ✨️

~

Violet was the first to log in - again. In the minutes before class began - in the "waiting room" - while she stared at her blank screen, it felt like the only real few moments she truly had to herself.

She spent all those moments, like so many others, thinking about Professor Malfoy.

To every single straight girl, and the singular gay guy, in class, Professor Malfoy was prime wank material. Violet hadn't known her classmates to be as desperate for a good word on their assignments from any other professor. To think homework would feature so high on the to-do lists of some of the biggest lunkheads she knew...there was definitely something about him, that Professor Malfoy.

She could see the appeal. The eerily pale eyes, hair, and skin made to appear warmer by the fluffy jumpers - all in elegant shades of scarlet, burgundy, emerald, wine, golden yellow - he wore over crisply ironed button-downs and tailored trousers; the way he used his hands when he talked, long fingers like a pianist's; the slim golden spectacles he was constantly misplacing on his own head, the rich precision with which he pronounced the olde names and subjects that he spoke of - it was very difficult not to admire Professor Malfoy.

All of that, but nobody really knew much about him outside of uni.

They'd switched to virtual classes a week ago; hurrah for the new pandemic. The idea that she didn't have to sit in class with her tittering classmates, a stray cough sounding now and again, made Violet automatically sit up straighter and smile, just as the little boxes on her screen began popping into life.

"Aaaayyyy!"

"Tell me we don't need to have our faces on display."

"So, yes, before anyone asks: this is a real lip ring. An actual piercing. Yeah, I'm not blowing you, Greg, sod off."

"Is Professor Malfoy on?"

"No, I don't see him here yet. Did he grade your essay?"

"Yo, can someone please tell me how to turn this camera off, I am smashed out my--"

"Click on the camera icon, Bryan--"

"It's not even noon, what d'you mean "smashed"?

"No, you've turned off your mic. No, we cannot hear you screaming."

"First icon on the bottom left," Violet said, rolling her eyes.

And then Professor Malfoy was in class.

There was a beat of silence before everyone called out greetings, a chaotic round of cheerful hello's that nobody could quite make sense of. Least of all Professor Malfoy.

He was peering into his screen, his slim nose scrunched.

"All right, so I can see me. Can you?"

Cacophonic confirmations.

"Okay, so nobody can see or hear me. Right."

More shrill reassurances. One loud beer-belch.

"Damn it all to hell, I knew this would happen, I told him that I'll need--"

"We can see you!" shrieked Preiti.

"We can hear you!" Nora bellowed.

But Professor Malfoy was already twisting around in his chair, scowling heavily, and screaming, "OY! COME IN HERE, YOU MISERABLE WANKER!"

Violet, along with her classmates, just stared in mystified silence. The professor never spoke like that. He ticked them off if they did.

A tall figure in a too big hoodie appeared suddenly, hissing back at Professor Malfoy. There was a golden lion printed on the maroon jacket. The hood was drawn in close, and Violet could just barely make out the light from the computer screen glinting off a pair of round glasses, on which a shaggy fringe of dark hair fell.

"You need to turn the volume up. Git," said the stranger. "Your camera's already on."

"I hate technology," Professor Malfoy seethed.

"You hate so much else. I'm getting fish and chips." The man was already walking off.

"I want mushy peas too, with mine."

"What kind of sick bastard." The room door was shut with a thud.

"Sorry about all that. We are now officially in session," Professor Malfoy said, smiling and restoring his glasses upon his nose. "Do you all have--?"

There was a muffled shout from somewhere behind the professor. Pinching the bridge of his nose, Professor Malfoy called back, "No. No, I don't want a curry dipping sauce."

There was more muffled yelling.

"Harry, get out right now!" shrieked Professor Malfoy, and Violet, along with the others, just ogled.

Malfoy sighed. "Sorry 'bout that. Just my idiot husband."

"You're married?!" Violet had asked before she could stop herself.

Professor Malfoy sighed, flipping open a thick, spiral bound folder. "Yes. You've heard of Harry Potter, I'm sure. He's the poor idiot I married."

[d6volution]

Corporeal.

Caine/Fem!Reader

caine wants to learn more about humans, so why not become one himself? surely, these new waves of emotions and new desires won't become an issue.

requested by: @kenenergy

tags: mutual pining, eventual smut, fluff, human!caine, lingerie, reader is down bad for caine but won't admit it.

Chapter one.

"I just don't know bubble! After letting them all down about the exit I feel... a little guilty?" Was that the correct wording? Humans were far more complex than he could imagine. But, oh, so interesting.. what could he do to learn from them better? He tapped the bottom of his jaw with a gloved finger in thought.

"Well, maybe you could—" Bubble began but Caine cut him off before he could get a word out, "Gadzooks you're right bubble! To understand them, I have to become like them! Of course! What a great adventure that'll be!" He exclaimed and extended his arms out in delight.

"I'll get a brand new.. body! All equip with artificial human emotions, looks, the works!"

Caine said , happily agreeing with himself. All it'd take was a snap of his fingers.

"Can I have body too, Caine..? I'd absolutely.. love to.. hug everyone.." Bubbles voice drifted off strangely at the end of that sentence and Caine stared... that certainly wasn't a good idea.

"Uh.. no!" He said just as cheerfully as if he were to agree.

SNAP!

the following day..

Knock, knock, knock!

The noise broke you out of your extremely light sleep. You got out of bed without issue, feeling groggy wasn't exactly a thing here. "Coming.. coming.." You sighed and pushed aside the fluffy comforter, rubbing your eyes and stretching out your body. It was still taking some getting used to.. you dragged yourself to the door and swung it open, Ragatha stood there, hands clasped in front of her. She gave a small wave, "Hey, y/n! Uh, Caine called everyone to the main hall, so I just came by to.. get you." Her sentence trailed off with a little chuckle as she pushed some of her red locks from her face.

"Oh, thanks Ragatha." At the mention of Caine you seemes unconsciously adjust your clothing and hair, what can you say? He's a charismatic man.. it was hard not to be a little attracted to him. Not like it would lead to anything, he certainly didn't seem to be interested in you humans, not anymore than playthings at least.

"Let's get going then, don't wanna keep everyone waiting." You flashed a kind smile at the doll like woman and you both walked together to where the others were already gathered, exchaning mundane conversation on the way.

"Well, well well glad you ladies could make it!"

"C.. Caine..!? What the [censor] !?" Your eyes were nearly popping out of your sockets and even ragatha seemed taken aback, mouth agape.

"We can't have that, y/n but I will give you a pass because I'm sure you are quite surprised by my apperance!" He said followed by a wacky sound.

"Yeah........" Zooble chimed in , "Welcome to the party."

Caine was.. human? His face was chiseled like an old timey talk show host. Dark brown hair was skicked back except a single curled strand hanging above his forehead ... he, of course, had on his iconic red suit and still held his baton, but he was just.. human now. And fuck was he handsome. Just what his goal?

"I'm sure you're all wondering why exactly I look—"

"Who cares," Jax said, arms crossed. Clearly annoyed, it almost seemed like Caine was mocking them in his opinion, "What about us? Does this mean we can get our human bodies back?"

Oh.. oh. You didn't even think about that, he's right. At least you'd feel a bit more normal here, surely there had to be a way. With a tinge of hope in your eyes you looked at Caine, waiting for his answer.

"Ah—" Caine raised a finger, but it soon fell. "Well.. no. This is simply coding, ones and zeros, Jax! Nothing more." He said, his grin a bit more charming when hes human, though now that you get a good look at him the 'coding' on him was too perfect. His skin had zero imperfections and his teeth were inhumanly white.

"So, our adventure today will be a little different! None of those devious little gloinks to steal your things away, no no! Just different trials for human emotions! Who will crack first!? Who will cry first !? Oh, the horrors! And I will be standing by to drink up everyones reactions!"

Everyone stood in silence, some annoyed some just downright confused. But, they didn't exactly have a choice but to follow through with the new adventure.

"Now go on my little superstars! Head to the dining area with the other NPCs!" He shoos you off but you purposely linger behind, waiting for the others to head off first.

"Yes, y/n, can I help you dear?!" He said , unknowingly in your personal space. But it quickly became apparent as his expression seemed to shift a little, usually it wouldn't bother him.. being this close to you but now, as a 'human' it felt a little strange. Causing him to clear his throat.

"O.. Oh nothing, I just.. wanted to say being a human.. kinda suits you Caine." You laughed a little and skipped off into the dining area leaving Caine with a flushed face. He touched his cheek, confused by the weird reaction he was having.. humans sure are interesting creatures.

Inside the dining area everyone was sat down with a the wooden mannequin NPC, they spoke to each person differently. Trying to provoke a reaction out of them, it must have been apart of Caine's way of getting you all to release different emotions he could learn from.

You took your seat in front of the wooden doll, [Y/N, welcome, you're late you should be ashamed of yourself.] The voice was robotic and out of habit you almost snapped back, but that's what Caine wanted probably. After all everyone was either close to strangling the faux mannequin or getting up to leave out of frustration. Caine made sure the trials pushed their buttons.

"God.. what is Caine thinking, this is so .. weird." Zooble commented, leaning back against their chair as their mannequin had been.. well out of commission thanks to them. "Hey.. where'd y/n go..?"

You found a way to sneak off, seeking out Caine again. You had more questions about this.. human transformation of his, not only that there had to be a way to get him to turn you all human again. It could be the first step to getting out of here.

You rounded the corner and shuffled back behind it, peeking past it to see Caine getting a haircut from bubble. "Anddd.. There!" With comically large scissors he snipped off a ungodly chunk of hair, without thinking Caine popped bubble and made all the chair he was sitting in disappear. His hair reappearing perfectly as if it hadn't been cut at all!

Your mouth dropped.

"Oh, y/n! Shouldn't you be at the trials? What slippery little snake you are, come now let's get you back!" He got close to you and you shuffled back, to avoid being instantly teleported back there. "W.. Wait! Caine.. I had a few questions."

"Questions? What about?" His eyes studided yours, "Oh, right, of course! This must be about my handsome new human face correct?" He said with a all to charming grin.

"Well, ... yes.. Don't you think you should have a human test the validity of your new... er.. body." You said attempting to close the distance between you, and he allowed it. You extended a hand and caressed his face, he looked at you with wide eyes.

"Did I.. perhaps get something wrong here?" He said a little confused, the close proximity between you two was causing him to flush uncontrollably. "Well, your face is a bit.. too perfect? Still so.. did you make yourself attractive on purpose?" You caught yourself tracing the features of his face and had to pull back.

"Well.. yes! Humans seem to respond well to, a more attractive face!"

It was getting a little awkward for the both of you, Caine cleared his throat. "Note taken! Will ..there be anything else y/n? If not then chop chop, your trials are almost finished!" He didn't let you answer, too confused and taken aback by these feelings coursing through his veins. He snapped his fingers and you were back in the chair with the damn mannequin.

Great.

Meanwhile Caine was still hovering in place, touching the same place you had caressed him a moment ago. "Humans sure are.. interesting, what a strange feeling!" He said and lifted his hat where bubble emerged from. "Day one, I will call a success bubble! One step closer to understanding these bundle of emotions we call humans!"

Later that night, Caine was sure everyone else was in their rooms before he too attempted to "sleep" it was apart of the learning process he thought. He desperately tried to push back the unraveling emotions in his body. Your fingertips, lips and even voice was encompassing his every waking thought.

Perhaps it would be smart to stay close to you throughout this experience. You are making his body and mind react in such strange ways and you've hardly done anything.

Surely, this won't have any repercussions later.

(next chapter.)

[chqolan]

Comfort at night — Ed x Reader

A/N: this was something i had written up for a while in my drafts and i’m finally posting it! unfortunately there was a weird error that happened and i had to redo the last bit of this, so apologies if it feels rushed </3

TW: gn reader, fluff, a bit of angst, ed and reader are friends ! , mentions of that card game ed talks about in world tour, author can’t write to save her life

recently his nightmares had become more frequent than usual for the first time in a while. every night felt the same — constantly bursting awake, feeling dizzy, out of breath and covered in sweat… he felt like such an idiot, like a stupid little kid who couldn’t sleep alone.

ed let’s out a sigh and grabs his phone from the nightstand as he sits up against his headboard. he glanced at the time, ‘just 1:00 am…’. with a swift motion of his thumb, he unlocks his phone and opens his messaging app. from there he sees a series of texts he’s yet to respond to, but he didn’t have time for that right now.

he glanced over your contact, contemplating wether or not he should be bothering you at this hour…

‘you up?’

to his surprise, he seen the typing icon appear from your end of the screen almost instantly.

‘yup! i might get ready to sleep soon though.’ he only watched as you continued typing, ‘did you need something?’. ed sighed and forced himself to respond in a ‘normal’ way.

‘can’t sleep.’

you glance at his response and bite the inside of your cheek, waiting to see if he’d say anything else. though after a minute or so, you caught the hint that he had no intentions of continuing. both you and ed have been familiar with each other for quite some time after he helped you with beating up some weird creeps who were following you around in the subway.

since then, the two of you had become mutual friends. he’s opened up about his past, but did so very cautiously as he didn’t want to scare you away. ed wouldn’t ever admit it — but it was comforting to have a friend who wasn’t fully involved in his past or his crazy line of work. comfort was also something that ed was never used to receiving during his years growing up… the feeling was still quite foreign, but he only ever felt it with you.

‘wanna come over to my place, then? i don’t mind staying up a bit longer.’

‘plus, it feels like a while since you’ve last swung by metro city. we should enjoy your time here together while we can!’

ed reads over your messages and hums to himself. will he ever get used to the gratitude and kindness you show him? he always tends to ask himself that same question…

‘yea, you’re right.’

‘i’ll head on over right now.’

the next thing he knew, he was at the front door to your apartment. he held a blank stare and slowly held up his fist to softly knock (more like bang) at the door. the sound of the lock fumbling from the other end was heard and you cracked the door open to take a peak. once you notice it's ed, you fully open up your door to welcome him inside.

your place was so clean and organized compared to his, he thought. just by stepping inside he felt a wave of comfort wash over him. ed makes his way over to your couch and plops down with a sigh. you could tell how exhausted he was just by looking at him...

although you didn't know the details of everything, you knew that ed has been through (and still puts up with) a lot. you'd never be able to relate to his struggles like his neo shadaloo group could, but you made sure to give him all of your comfort and support for whenever he needed it.

"i know you're not one for small talk, so i'll get to the point..." ed keeps his eyes on the blank tv screen in front of him, but you knew he was listening. you take a seat next to ed and turn your full attention to him. "what's going on? you don't look like you're holding up too well, ed." you noticed from the moment you opened the door that he looked in worse shape than usual.

the bags under his eyes made it apparent that he's been lacking proper rest time, and his pale skin was scattered with red patches, along with what you could only assume to be bruises. knowing ed, he most likely wouldn't bother to take some time off and take care of himself.

the boxer was hesitant to respond. he didn’t know how to communicate very well, and the last thing he wanted to do was accidentally lash out at you. ed looks in every direction except yours and you notice his leg started to bounce… was he nervous?

without even thinking, you placed your hand on his knee and softly stroked it. the sudden contact took ed by surprise as that same leg stopped its bouncing. there it was again — that weird sense of comfort you brought him which he would never get used to.

ed couldn’t bring it in himself to answer your question even though it was something so simple. he hated that he didn’t know how to respond. the boxer tiredly rubs his eyes and awkwardly clears his throat. “you’ve still got those cards i gave you, yea?” ed looks over at you and he can sense your small hint of confusion from him desperately trying to change topics.

to his surprise, you don’t mind and let up.

“oh, uh.. of course i do.” your response makes him crack a slight grin as he pulls out a small deck of cards from the pocket of his hoodie.

of course he carried these around with him.

nothing can stop the small laugh that you let out at the sight of him hurriedly looking through all his cards.

you remember ed telling you about this trading card game he had been into… you’ve bought him some cards on certain occasions because you’d figure he’d enjoy it with how much he seems to gush over this game. and he had also bought you a small deck of cards along with giving away some spare ones he thought were useless for him. he mentioned that it’d be useful for whenever you two had a chance to hang out and play together.

it didn’t take long for you to get up and find your small deck of cards. once you came back to your main living room, you seen ed already seated at your table. he was organizing everything and sat on the opposite side to your seat. without wasting any more time, you grab your seat and begin getting your cards ready to play.

to be honest, you weren’t sure how much time had passed. once you two played multiple rounds of that trading card game, you had binged a few comedy shows that had ed intrigued even though he would never admit… but you can tell he was into it just by how much he bantered with the episodes as they went on.

and now you were here…

ed was fast asleep as he snuggled into you. it took everything in you to hold on your giggle and not wake him up. you were certain that he wasn’t aware of how close he was holding on to you right now… he would probably die of embarrassment if he was conscious right now. ed had only asked to share your bed because it ‘looked comfy as hell’ , but in reality you knew there was definitely more reason behind it. and that’s how you can only assume it had to do with his night terrors.

it’s not a surprise that he wouldn’t admit that, but you knew better and allowed him to sleep with you for the night. his face finally looked relaxed as he slept here close to you. honestly, you also never would’ve thought he’d be the small spoon between you two.

though, you couldn’t stop thinking about how there was a part of you that felt extremely sorry for him… sometimes you can sense and feel the heart of a little boy inside of ed, but he’s forced to keep up such a rough exterior due to everything he’s been through.

the thought of it made you frown a little bit.

he deserves so much better.

although he’ll never fully tell you what’s going on, you still want to be there for him as much as you can. you gently move his hair to the side to see his full face and you instantly smile at the sight of him.

without even thinking, you slowly place a kiss on his forehead and close your eyes with an even bigger grin on your face now.

“good night, ed.”

[darcyfangirlsfrequently]

my reactions to episode 6 of season 2 of criminal minds evolution

spoilers under the cut!

the alarms blaring and dead people everywhere just reminds me of the way "Saturday" begins

Okay I thought this was real until I saw Luke shot and half dead on the floor. Yay for Tara being so concerned though, TarVez besties canon!!

Okay when they said we'd hear prentiss singing, this is NOT what i had in mind

JESUS christ wtf is this

Aww I love seeing Penelope take care of her friends

Luke and Penelope being beside each other in a frame 🥰 getting my garvez crumbs where i can

Tara Lewis you are SO pretty

Penelope knowing her dad is at the end of his rope and being SO patient with him 😂😂 (also, luke, i see you staring at her)

Is Rossi about to have a fucking breakdown in the middle of the BAU?? I can't handle that

Luke following Penelope into her office YESSSSS

Oops i guess not. that's jj.

Penelope there is one person on this team i can understand you struggling to look at... JJ isn't them. what's going on?

"It's between beige and bad kissing" well penelope i feel like if you got with a certain someone you'd never have to deal with that again

JJ reading her besties to shit. I love my OG BAU girls

Penelope you are NOT ALLOWED TO BE JEALOUS

tyler's ex is so pretty tho

Luke wipe that smirk off your face 😂

"Even more awkward than you working with Tyler is him working with me" Luke do you HEAR yourself??? You are outing yourself and your feelings even more. You are ADMITTING your jealousy

"Luke we need you in here" not even TWO SECONDS LATER i knew it was coming but it's still funny

PENELOPE GARCIA DID YOU JUST TOUCH HIS ARM????

Penelope's "oh" upon finding out who teresa is. this is just a group of exes up in here

Tara 🤝 Emily wives calling Dave out for not going to therapy

Soft Tara and Dave!! I love them.

ROSSI WORDLESSLY REACHING OUT FOR TARA'S HAND I AM IN SHAMBLES

JJ sneaking a cheeto 😂 i'm glad there are SOME consistencies in this show

High Emily is just Paget

Emily is so right about salt and vinegar chips. They're the BEST.

Does a picture of sergio in the background count for my sergio square on my bingo card?

Tara and Emily having the same middle name canon

"I didn't know super hot latina was your type" Well, Penelope, now you have something in common

TYLER setting boundaries i love to see it.

Mutual airing of exes... now i wonder if she brought Luke up or hid that particular detail

Wait shit I was half joking in my fic when I said tyler was still in love with teresa, but if he fr is i will be so happy and rooting for them

luke having to ask the ex of the ex of the love of his life what the story is with her and said ex

"I had a thing for army guys" NO NO NO IF THEY TRY TO MAKE TERESA AND LUKE A THING I WILL FLIP

luke's heart eyes watching penelope's presentation

oh she's calling tyler OUTTTTTT

"81% of stalking victims are stalked by someone they know." Two things. 1. Love Luke getting his Spencer Reid moments and getting to be smart. 2. THIS IS A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY TO TALK ABOUT ALEXEI STANOVICH AT SOME POINT

"sticky chemistry that is in the room between us all" means Penelope is acknowledging the her and luke stuff as well

LESS awkward to do boys with boys and girls with girls??? Penelope are you KIDDING???

"that's the less awkward option?" tyler i feel you

Luke's face is like "babe are you KIDDING i just told you me working with him is so awkward"

"For me and Teresa it is" icon

Tyler HAS to know that there is something Garvezy happening, because he and Luke seem to be the only people grasping the true awkwardness of this situation

oh so this is NOT emily's first time high. Temily writers i would like fics about them getting high together please and thank you

"I'm quitting" fucking LIES you won't leave them like that

WEED LACED CHEETOS??? DO THOSE REALLY EXIST???? god poor jj

"now being around him i know he's over me because i don't feel it anymore" i know penelope's ensuing awkwardness is supposed to be because she DOES still feel it with tyler or whatever, but i'm choosing to believe it actually has her thinking about Luke

"a list of everyone you've ever made angry" luke babes you are going to be at the TOP of that list

okay i have been WAITING for this tyler/luke fight

oh tyler did NOT use luke being a ranger against him

wtaf is this conversation. i'm living for it but it's WEIRD

HAHA voit's rossi impression

Bailey mention!!

Hate to see Rossi struggling. But I have to admit Voit's manipulation of him is so well done

Morgan AND Hotch mention. When's the last time we got a Morgan mention???

So they're finally talking about BAU-gate... and they're high. lovely.

The way Luke says "Penelope Garcia" and cannot even stop himself from smiling

omg luke finally speaking spanish!! (@lklvz how're you coping?)

Luke's grandmother mention!!

ugh they're so gonna try to make luke and teresa a thing. aren't they.

OH WHAT THE FUCK. TERESA CALLING LUKE TF OUT FOR BEING A PENELOPE SIMP WAS NOT WHAT I EXPECTED

OH MY GOD HE ACTUALLY JUST SAID HE LOVES HER

Also, Luke, wdym Penelope knows??? Bc i ASSURE you she does not

"it was a hard pass for both of us" LIES

noooooooooooooooooooo how did we go from something SO GARVEZ to teresa essentially asking him out? Lady he just said he's in love with someone else this will not go well for you

what is this video game conversation

maybe i'm just tired but i do NOT get what voit is alluding to with north star and stuart house

Tyler this feels kinda stupid

if i had a nickle for every time luke saved tyler's life, i'd have two nickles. which isn't a lot, but it's weird that it happened twice, right?

Luke and Tyler friendship arc???

okay. Jemilys, how are y'all doing? I might not get you, I might not be one of you, but I know you're losing it

OH EMILY KNOWS ABOUT THE MISCARRIAGE I'M SOBBING

If Teresa asks Luke out in front of Penelope i will SCREAM

So Penelope definitely thinks Luke/Teresa is a thing but I'm pretty sure that howl was her telling Luke to be brave and tell Penelope he loves her

oh THIS is where Jill comes in. I keep forgetting about her.

ahhh this was so good

[btr-rewatch]

Big Time Rush Song Rankings (+ commentary nobody asked for): "BTR"

I was bored. Decided to go through their albums and put them into a list from favorite to least favorite.

"Worldwide": Is it possible this song is overrated and hyped too much? No. This song was on heavy rotation for me from the moment I heard it. Wonderful song, 10/10. Full of love and yearning. Their all white outfits in the music video? Iconic. My mom's friend's daughter went to one of their shows and was picked as the Worldwide Girl, and young me didn't handle that well (I wasn't even AT the concert, so not like I had a chance, but still). I'm almost over it.

"Til I Forget About You": When they would show the music video for this during commercial breaks on Nick, I would leap from the couch and do the dance along with them. There used to be a good analysis post breaking down each of the boys' sections in the song and how it correlates with their personalities in the show and how they deal with heartbreak (there's also one for "Famous" that does the same).

"Big Time Rush": I used to sit on the school bus and stare blankly out the window listening to this one on repeat at like 7:45 in the morning. Just...not even awake yet but psyching myself up to live it big time.

"Famous": This one is pretty much tied with "Big Time Rush" in my head, and I'm tempted to bump it to 3, but the song's theme ultimately wins out. Love this song. Can't help but see it in a weirdly haunting light due to the above mentioned "Famous Analysis" post that I read over and over when I was younger and changed the way I saw the song from that point on. Thank you to Swedish girl-group Play for giving us this song. (I assume most people in the fandom have seen or heard the Play version already but if not, check it out)

"Halfway There": Ok, so. I love this song, but EVERY TIME I listen to it, I'm filled with slight annoyance over the fact that it's the "different" version than was originally released. When this single was released, it was KENDALL who sang the opening lines ("When the chips are down, back against the wall" etc) and then James who did his part later. That's the version I listened to for months before they got rid of it and replaced it with the version that appeared on their album. It was a jarring experience for me, and I've never quite fully recovered. The song will forever sound slightly wrong to me because of it.

"Stuck": Prior to starting this blog and doing the rewatch, I hadn't heard a lot of their songs for years, and I had completely forgotten this one existed. Like, it had been wiped from my brain. Rediscovering it was fun.

"City is Ours": Fun fact-my sister is scarred for life from this song and can no longer listen to it because when she was younger, she used it as her alarm tone to get up for school. It's forever associated with waking up in a panic early in the morning and has been ruined for her since the show's original run.

"This is Our Someday": I feel like this song is one of those forgotten ones. I don't remember it being big either in the show or outside of it back in the day (and it has the second lowest listens on Spotify). I do like it, though. Such a hopeful tune, and the line, "One is good, but four is better?" That's a good one. So true, guys.

"Count on You": This is a sweet one. I LOVE the music video for it in the Jordin Sparks episode. It's just. It's smooth. It feels like silk in my brain, though it's not one of my faves. I especially like how Logan's part, "What would I wanna do that for?" comes right at the "four" mark in their counting. Very nice.

"Big Night": Was never really a fan of this one because something about the way the music is structured bothers me but it's super sing-able, so it gets some props for that.

"I Know You Know": This one was going to be number 12, but it gets a bump up due to the acoustic version from '22 giving me slightly more appreciation for it. My original list didn't even include this song because I totally forgot about it until just now when I was going through the album.

"Oh Yeah": Not much to say about this one. I didn't really listen to it when I was younger because it was a "James song" and he was my least favorite of the guys singing-wise. (I am SORRY James stans) Love the spinning Logan head in the music video, though. I remember the fandom really enjoying that part.

"Nothing Even Matters": I simply don't have feelings about this song one way or another. It's just there.

"Any Kind of Guy": I have bizarre issues with this song. Gives me sensations of unpleasant colors and patterns. Zig-zaggy and burnt orange and brown. Bleh. Last place for "Any Kind of Guy." I think the silly music video with all the costumes didn't help.

[deadpool15]

Chapter 2

Monika POV

After walking out, I step inside the Street Women Fighter set. Looking around the room, I hear everyone cheering me on and just smile. Then I heard our iconic PROUDMON song and started to do our famous dance. Everyone starts to cheer even louder. Eventually, I go and sit down in the judges' chair, and the other judges are revealed. After Mike and Shownu step on, we start to move on to the actual competition. I start to slowly gaze around the room to see the difference in the crews, only to be stuck on one specific pair of gorgeous eyes.

It almost feels like time stops for a second, as chic as that sounds. I start to analyze everything about her eyes. The light green mixture of Christmas ornaments. I then look further down and stare at every aspect of her. She is fucking gorgeous. The most beautiful women I've ever seen. But once I look back at her eyes, I notice she is already staring at me with a dangerous gaze. Her eyes dont have an innocent glow. She is staring at me like she has other intents. Her eyes dont resemble precious ornaments, and no, they are full of wonder. She has more of a furious approach. They remind me of a deadly river.

I eventually break eye contact when Daniel starts speaking about the first part of the competition. I guess we are about to begin with the no-respect battles, so everyone is told to take a break to change their clothes.i can still feel her stare burning into me. And she isn't trying to be shy about it. Almost like she wants me to know, or maybe I'm just overthinking it. I've had to pee for a while, so this is the perfect time to use the bathroom. I make my way to the bathroom it took me a moment with these stupid oversized heels. I lot of complaints have been happening about bruising so they are starting to make our shoes fucking huge it seems. I step into the bathroom, cursing at this skirt that won't come off.

I stop for a moment when I hear someone coming inside the restroom as well. Then, I continue to pull this skin-tight ass skirt off my body. I finally pull it off and use the bathroom. After I'm done, I go through hell and back to get the skirt back on. It looks easy, but it's a difficult task. I walk out the bathroom and go to wash my hands and start humming to myself. I almost forgot there was another person in here until. Someone grabbed my shoulder. "Holy, shit," I said as I turned around only to see the familiar black women. I couldn't keep my eyes off off. She smiles at me, I notice her dimples and smiley piercing.

I realize I'm staring when she starts laughing. "Earth to Monika. I've been trying to get your attention for a couple of minutes. I'm pretty sure my face can't be that interesting. " She familiar stranger says while looks at me with her big beautiful eyes. "Oo, I'm sorry it's just you kinda scared me, so it took a moment," i say while laughing along with her. Then I take notice of her language, she is speaking korean. "You're from Jam Republic, right? I didn't know any of you could speak Korean. " I said while waiting for her response, her voice is amazing, by the way. She seems so lively but intriguing. "Yea, I was kinda raised her to be honest, oo, and I'm Ashley, by the way. I don't know. I'd judges have to look at everyone single profile, but I don't expect you to remember names. So I'd thought I save you the trouble." She says, seeming very excited to meet me. So, I respond with enthusiasm. "I'm Monika. Nice to meet you, Ashley", before I could speak further, she cut me off.

"I know who you are, i mean, i feel like i have to. You're our judge, so i had to check out your skills before anyone else. I came to say i hi and possibly get to know you. And i know what you're gonna say. This is a competition, and you can't really speak to me. I understand that, but i know how to separate wpkr from my social life. Plus, you're allowed to have friends, right?" She says while looking at me with a look I can't quite describe. Though I don't know her intentions, she could be using this as a way for a vote. "First of all, you called me what now?" She looks back at me and then at the ceiling. "Monika, or is that not your name, Ms. Shin. " She smirks while waiting for a comeback, though while any other time I could do it, my heart felt stuck.

She is flirting with me. I have to watch out for her. "Of course, I know what my name is, sweetheart, but in Korea, I'm pretty sure you know it doesn't work like that, don't you?" She looks at me smiling before her gaze goes further down my body. "Wow, you're a bold one, aren't you? This is a competition, I don't think it would be best for us to get to know each other right now. And by that look in your eye, I can tell you want to do a lot more then sit in talk. I'm way too old for you sweetie". I tell her, trying to keep a straight face. It's hard, though. It looks like she wants to devour me right here right now. But someone has to be the mature one here.

Ashley's POV

I stare at her, biting my lips again. It should be a fucking crime to look this good in a skirt. It's like she isn't aware of how amazing she looks right now. "I do want to talk, among other things. If it makes you feel better, we can start off by talking and working our way into more details later on. " I said while watching her reaction. Ive already come to terms with easy I want, she just doesn't know it yet. "Age means nothing. I mean, what's a 15-year age gap when we both know what we want? " She tries to speak before I cut her off again and move closer. "I'm aware of what I want, and you should know I always get what I want. I'll play your little game, though it seems fun. Be ready, sweetie. Seems i found a much better prize now, haven't I unnie?" She just stressed at me shocked.

"Well, see you back on there. Make sure to really keep your eyes on me, you know. It's always good to watch the real important people and who could be more important than me unnie?" I tell her while looking at her with faux innocence. "I can't wait to have fun with you, unnie. Bye-bye.

(I know this is shorter, but it's like 5 a.m., and I just woke up and remembered I fell asleep while writing this last night. So I'm sorry, guys, but I hope you like it)

I'm sorry for the late update. yall, I did finish it, but my dumbass is just now realizing I saved it to my drafts instead of posting it

[yourwosogirly]

Kicking off romance-Katie Zelem

Based off this request

Word count: 7k

P.s buckle up it’s a long one

"Well done guys, get yourselves a drink"the trainee said clapping his hands together as all the girls stood up heading towards the side of the field and grabbing their Gatorade bottle.

Katie took a chug of her water feeling the dryness in the back of her throat and the sweat radiating off of her body as her body grew more exhausted by the second.

She took this chance of a break in the best way she could in the sense of 'if you don't ask you don't get.

Katie walked to where Mary was with Millie and baggers and tapped the taller girl on the shoulder making her whip her body round to face her.

"Mary can I ask you something?" Katie asked as Mary nodded moving away from the conversation with her friends.

"What's up skipper" Mary asked in a cheery tone putting her arm around the shorter girls shoulder.

"Umm so you remember Y/N right?" Katie said nervously fumbling with her hands as Mary chuckled. Katie didn't know what was happening to her she was never like this and it confused her.

"Yes Katie I know who my best friend is why'd you ask"Mary asked confused but she knew what she was doing.She wasn't stupid and it wasn't like you two weren't fawning over each other all night.

A week ago

You had been friends with Mary Earps since child hood.You had been known as the classic new girl upon your school and Mary had been the one to take you under her wing and you had stayed in contact ever since .

Even with her football career shooting off, as the best goal keeper and you being busy with your own career as a dancer you had managed to say in contact and were somehow known as platonic soulmates.

So it was no surprise when she invited me to her 30th birthday party.She didn't want something to big just her teammates and closest friends which of course included me.

"Sorry l'm late," | exclaimed rushing into the diner where there was a big table and everyone was looking at me making me feel a little uncomfortable but it was to be expected.

Mary had picked a very nice place for her birthday dinner and had managed to get it reserved so it was just us tonight.

There was a display of balloons on the wall that looked amazing and beautiful. Mary had picked great and speaking of the girl.

"Y/N! she shouted across the room sliding her chair back and walking straight towards me the best she could in the heels she was wearing.

She looked beautiful and her shimmering silver sparkling dress with sequins shining in my eyes as she pulled me into a hug.

"I missed you Y/N" she said keeping her arm wrapped tightly around my shoulder.

"I missed you too mearps happy birthday here this is for you" I said handing her my gift bag.

"Thank you come sit down" she said grabbing the bag and putting it on her arm and leading my to sit down in a chair next to her and I was sat next to a blonde and brunette girl.

The waiter came over noticing my arrival and I ordered my drink, main and starter since the rest already have ordered and had drinks.

"Y/N, I would like you to meet all of my teammates this is Alessia and Ella" she said gesturing to the two girls next to me making me wave at them. They seemed quite friendly and Mary had already told me about all of her teammates before.

"Hi y/n l'm Alessia and this is Ella" the tall blonde girl said with a kind smile on my face. Of course had heard of them both from Mary and how they were an iconic duo.

"Hi Alessia hi Ella" i said waving at the brunette who gave me an excited look.

"Hi y/n most people call me tooney" she said brightly. I could tell if we spent more time together we would be good friends. Ella or tooney as she liked to be called seemed to be one to talk and I was someone who hated silence and we matched each others energy perfectly. It was the same reason why me and Mary were such good friends.

All the girls continued to talk and I couldn't help but stare at this Katie girl as I sipped on my Wine and ate my starter.

Well all up until I had my retinals so focused on Katie my breaded mushroom missed my mouth and landed in my lap.

"Shit" said catching the attention of a few other girls but none of them mention it well everyone except a certain best goal keeper.

"Y/N looks like somethings got you distracted not like you" she said clearly knowing what she was on about.

She had been watching me out of the corner of my eye and as she followed my eyes she saw they were staring deeply into her captains figure.

She wasn't stupid and knew exactly what looked like when I was crushing on someone.

"W-what are you on about Mary" I said looking away as i stumbled on my words nervously making the older girl laugh at me making me blush in embarrassment.

"Oh please Y/N your my best friend I can tell when you've got gay panic and by the look on your face" she pointed at my body up and down making me groan and slap her hand away.

"I get it Mary but I don't even know Katie" said and I immediately regretted it as I let her name slip our .How could I have been so fucking stupid?

I knew I would've never hear the end of this but l also knew that it made Mary's job easier as she would have spent all night trying to get me to admit who it was herself already knowing.

"Ooo so you like the skipper ay" Mary smirked teasing you to no end.

"Mary no" groaned throwing my head back in frustration.

"Oh c'mon Y/N I can tell in your eyes you clearly have the hots for her" she smirked looking over at Katie who was talking and laughing with Millie.

"Mary I've only just seen her I haven't even met her yet yeah she's cute but-"I said but she cut me off.

"Oh well I'll introduce you Mary said as groaned again.

"Katie over here" Mary said waving Katie over catching her attention. She quickly made her way over and I felt the blush take over my cheek as she smiled at me.

"Katie this is Y/N my best friend and Y/N this is Katie my teammate and captain now talk" she said pushing us both closer together so we we're chest to chest and walked away to laugh with someone else.

"Hi l'm Katie" she said holding her hand out for me to shake.

"Hi l'm Y/N it's lovely to meet you Katie" I smiled at her as we both sat down.

"So Y/N what's it like being friends with Mary?" she said taking a sip of her wine.

Present day

“Well we got talking last night and she seemed like a really nice girl” Katie tried to word the best she could hoping Mary would get the message .

“So?” Mary asked with a teasing smirk as Katie sighed .

“Umm well she’s pretty and after talking to her I’d like to I don’t know chat with her again” Katie stumbled. God she was a mess. She was only thinking about you and already she couldn’t say anything that made sense.

But Mary decided to put her out of her misery.

“So you want my besties number” Mary asked putting the pieces together and Katie sighed .

“Look Mary I kind of like this girl I don’t know I’ve been single a while and she made me laugh so hard last night so I just want to talk to her again” Katie said giving up and blurting all her feelings out.

“Here’s her number” Mary said giving my phone number to Katie giving her a wink before walking away as the trainer called them all back .

But Katie couldn’t concentrate at all but to be honest unlike normally she wasn’t as bothered as she would be as she just couldn’t wait until training was over so she could text you .

Everyone could tell she was deep in thought and only had and Mary knew what it was about as Katie couldn’t get your image out of her head. It was like she was craving for you.

So once she was finally free and alone she reached for her phone and under there new contact replaced your phone number with Y/N x 💗 smiling at it she worked up the courage to message you .

Katie ❤️

Hi Y/N it's Katie I was at Mary's 30th

Y/N

Hi Katie yes I remember you

How've you been?

I've been good hbu?

I'm good but I actually wanted to ask you something

Yeah sure shoot

So I know this is a long shot but l've got a game this Sunday and I was wondering if you'd like to go

I'd love to watch you play and it gives me a chance to see Mary aswell

Great I'II send you the deets

Okay thanks Katie

You and Katie had talked for hours on end that night and you ended up falling asleep with your phone in hand .And you had been doing it a lot, talking about everything and anything with her and it felt easy with her .she was easy to talk to on the phone and always made you laugh.

But you hadn't seen her in person since Mary's birthday and you had began to develop feelings for the skipper and you didn't know what to do about but knew that you wanted to see her again.

So luckily it was the day of The game Man U had against West Ham and you couldn't help but feel really excited to see Katie on the field and talk to her again.

I had put on a Man U jersey that Mary had gifted me and paired it with some black cargos, black high top converse and a jacket.

I grabbed my phone and as I headed to my car I got a call and I saw it was from Katie bringing an immediate smile to my face.

I answered it but put it on hands free as I started to drove to Man U's home stadium where the game would be held today. Old Trafford.

"Hey Katie you alright?" I ask turning the wheel and looking behind me as I reversed off my drive and began the journey to the stadium.

I knew the path way too well as it was nailed in my brain from the many games I had gone to, to support Mary.

Yeah I was just checking in on your whereabouts me and the girls have just arrived at the stadium and we've just done pitch inspection" she said as I nodded .

"Okay cool well I should be there in a round 15 minutes" i said.

"Ok sounds good just when you get there park round the back and I'll meet you at the door to take you to the seats I'll be waiting" she said.

"Okay thanks Katie I'lI see you there okay"; said as my finger hovered over the screen to hang up.

"Okay see you Y/N" she said a bit excited and I ended the call. I drove the rest of the way to the stadium and it didn't take me too long as there wasn't much traffic which was lucky.

I couldn't help but feel kind of nervous to see Katie again but I was also really exited and I wanted to let out a squeal like a little girl but I didn't.

Staying true to her word, I got out of my car after parking and as she saw me Katie was by the door and she waved her hand high in the air hoping i would see her.

"Y/N I'm so glad you could make it" she pulled me into a small hug talking in her thick Manchester accent and i hid my head in her neck as I blushed deeply by her words.

“No worries it would be a pleasure to watch you play” i said as we pulled apart and she kept her hand rested on my lower back.

“Thank you so much, I’m excited for you to watch us, let me show you to your seat” she said as she led me through the inside of the stadium.

She showed me to my seat which was on the opposite side of the fans with the family and just above the subs on both team and of course I was sat on the man United side .

“Right so this is your seat bathrooms are through there feel free to do whatever you like and if you need anything just ask one of the guys in man u jackets and if you want food or anything like that you can just go through the booth up there” she said pointing towards the box with a camera that would stream the game just in front of it. Luckily I wasn’t .

“Ok great thanks Katie” i said as I rummaged around getting comfortable .

“Of course Y/N and I’m sorry but I’ve got to go before Marc shouts at me. I need to get ready for the game and it would look bad on me as captain” she apologised and I could tell by her face she was guilty.

“Katie don’t worry about it” i said grabbing her hand to stop her from rambling on and on.

“Are you sure your okay” she asked concerned making a chuckle leave my plump lips that she kept on staring at .

“Katie it's gonna be fine okay now go before your late and if you don’t I’ll throw you there yourself” I threatened her making her chuckle and raise her hands in the air .

“Okay okay I’ll go I’ll see you after the game Y/N” she mumbled before walking down the stairs and back into the tunnel to get ready .

You watched as all the girls came out for warm ups as music blasted through the stadium. Speaking of the stadium, it was bloody amazing like a theatre and the crowd was electric.

You had missed watching Man U play and hadn’t seen them play in a long time and it showed how much they improved and how good they were, they were strong .

The game began and as soon as it did, you were on the edge of your seat, watching eagerly as the two teams battled it out on the field .Man U had most of the possession passing the ball back and forth as their opponents, Brighton tried to get the ball of them and failed almost every time .

As you watched the game, normally you would stare over at each and every player on the pitch but not this time, no, you couldn't tear your eyes away from Katie's figure.

You couldn't help but feel a surge of pride as you watched Katie lead the team onto the field, wearing the captains armband and exuding in elite confidence.

It was half time with it currently being 2-0 to Man United. But tensions were still high and All of the players walked into the tunnel for the break. All except for two. Mary might have been concentrating on saving goals and the game but she had managed to seek me out from my spot as my seat was close to her and she heard me cheering which was a big give away.

“Oh Y/N I didn’t know you were here” Mary walked over to me holding her bottle under her left arm .

“Uhh yeah I came to see you” I lied awfully at that but she already knew why I was here .

“Oh please don’t lie Y/N I know your here to see Katie” she rolled her eyes and my mouth opened and close in shock making her giggle .

“You don’t mind do you?”i ask as I looked over where Katie was talking with one of the officials not that far from us .

“Of course I don’t Y/N you come to enough of my games and anyways everyone thinks about me anyway” she said shrugging her shoulders sassily making me laugh at her .

We continued to talk for a few moments catching up on what we had missed out on since we had lasted seen each other .

“So what’s been going on with you and Katie” Mary wiggled her eyebrows at me making me laugh as she lent her hands against the barrier in between us .

I sighed thinking about the girl. “I don’t know, we talked all night at your party and it was amazing and we’ve been texting every time we can since” i said .

“So do you like her because I haven’t heard you talk about someone like this for years Y/N” she said and I thought about it even though I already knew how I felt about her .

“Yeah, I do a lot but I don’t think she liked me back she probably thinks of me as a friend and I don’t know it’s frustrating your right I’ve never felt like this for someone she just makes me feel so happy whenever she walks in the room” i rant to her and Mary doesn’t say anything but just smiles at me dreamily .

“Y/N from the way you’ve talked about her just now I think you feel a lot more than a little crush for Katie and trust me when I say she likes you back” she rested her hand on my arm but before I could say anything the whistle blew that half time was over.

Which meant Mary had to go back to the goal and I wouldn’t have had time to talk to Katie which was the one thing I was desperately craving for right now .

The game resumed, with both teams bringing back even more power and energy as they had done once before.But you could tell they were both getting frustrated, yes Man U may be winning 2-0 but they hadn’t add another goal yet and what wasn’t like them.

Brighton we’re getting sloppy and angry not being able to get through Man U defence or Mary earps causing them to become rough with unnecessary tackles becoming fouls and getting them nowhere .

But then, out of nowhere, Katie made a bold move, darting across the field with lightning speed and expertly maneuvering the ball past the opposing team's defenders. Before you knew it, she had kicked the ball into the back of the net, scoring a stunning goal that sent the stadium into a frenzy of cheers and applause.

You leapt to your feet, cheering along with the rest of the crowd as Katie raced back towards her teammates, beaming with triumph. It was a moment you would never forget, watching her in her element and seeing her score that goal as the captain of her team.

“Yes Katie!”you screamed at her waving your arms high in the air with the rest of the fans and Katie caught your eyes .

As everyone walked back to their positions, Brighton looked defeated as their was only a few minutes left and they were down by 3 knowing they would win this game.

And as expected, 2 minutes later the full time whistle blew signalling the end of the game as all the fans cheered loudly .

You stood up from your seat and made your way to the front row waiting where Katie had told you to as she had told you earlier she come see you.

Some people walked into the tunnel and others went to sign autographs, shirts and take photos.

Katie made a beeline for you as you made eye contact and you smiled at her excited until you could hear the ragged breath.

You high fives her with both hands and wrapped your fingers around hers before pulling her into a deep hug taking in her sent .

“You were amazing”you beamed exaggerating a little but I didn’t care .

“Thank you Y/N and thank you for coming to watch me”she said flashing you a smile.

“Don’t worry about it i bloody loved it”I expressed my feelings making her laugh heartily.

“That goal you scored was incredible. I couldn't believe it."you replied, feeling a little starstruck .

Katie grinned, looking pleased. "It was a team effort," she said, modestly. "But I'm glad you enjoyed it.” And it was silent for a few seconds .

“Katie what’s wrong?”I asked confused as I looked into her eyes seeing something I didn’t recognise.

“Nothing..I just I wanted you to come to my day today because I wanted To ask you something”she said and I could hear the seriousness in her voice .

“Well okay I’m here so talk to me”i chuckled at the end to hide my nerves.I was assuming the worse seeing as all the colour drained from her face .

“So umm I wondering if you would like to go on a date with me?”she asked nervously as she looked at the grounding full on refusing to look me in the eye .

But I grabbed her by the chin and tilted her head back up to look straight into mine and I stared at her lips for a few moments not saying anything .

“I’d love to”i whispered so she could hear and her face light up like the sun and it would be funny if I wasn’t joking .

“Really? You’d go on a gate with me”she beamed at me getting over the shock I actually wanted to go out with her .I mean who wouldn’t want to go out with her .

“Yes Katie I would be honoured to go on a date with you”a smug smile took over my lips as I put on a posh accent making us both giggle .

I don’t know how but somehow our hands had connected together and I only noticed when I had to pull away as I moved further away from Katie making her frown in confusion .

“I’m sorry I have to go”i said not wanting to leave.I really wanted to go home and be in her arms but I couldn’t .

“It’s ok”Katie gave me a tight lipped smile .

“Goodbye Katie I’ll see you later”i said giving her one last smile and a kiss to her cheek before I turned around and walked out the stadium.

Katie stared in a haze where my figure had been standing but now it was just nothingness as I had pulled out of the car park and started to drive home .

But she couldn’t help but he excited she had just won a match with her team and had scored a date with her crush.Her life couldn’t get any better .

“Katie cmon or your gonna miss the bus”Millie shouted and Katie snapped her head towards her seeing that she was already changed out of her kit and her Man U casual clothes .

“Shit”Katie mumbled too herself running after Millie who had already disappeared back inside the tunnel .

The next evening

That night when both you and Katie had gotten home you had done the same thing you had done every night and had talked on the phone all night and had set your date .

Katie was adamant about wanting to plan it since she asked you out she wanted to every thing for you said it was my treat.So she had told you the address and the time.

Some how it might have been a coincidence she had planned to go to an Indian restaurant called the chutney and it had managed to be your favourite restaurant that was just down the street from your house .

It didn’t take you that long to get ready as you put your hair up in a slick back bun with some light make up and lip gloss to brighten up your eyes and lips .

You had gone with a long black dress with a long slit on the left hand side with a small black bag and put all your essentials inside .

You took One last look in the mirror and took a deep breath before leaving your house and driving to the restaurant.But before that you made sure to text Katie not wanting her to think you were ignoring her or standing her up.

Y/N

Hi Katie I’m just leaving now I’ll be there in a couple mins

Katie ❤️

Hi Y/N/N that’s good I’ve just arrived see you soon xx

I closed my phone and smiled at the message before focusing my attention back on the road .

As you approached the restaurant, you noticed Katie outside looking around for any sign of you but she wasn’t doing very well and looked a little helpless.

But other than that, she looked Gorgeous.In a brown chocolate dress that hugged her curves and was a few shades lighter than her natural hair colour.

Her hair was styled in loose waves with nude heels on. You feel your heart skip a beat as you approach her.

"Hey!" she greets you with a bright smile. "You look amazing."

"Thanks," you reply, feeling a little shy. "So do you."

She had her hands behind her back which only made it a little awkward as you pulled her into a small hug.

"These are for you"she said revealing what she was holding behind her back.You look at her shocked as she hands you a bunch of red roses.The real ones .You took them out of her hands and took a big smell taking in their sent.

They smelt lovely jusToday you liked them.And they smelt fresh which was a plus.

"Wow these are beautiful thank you Katie"you said and leant over to kiss her on the cheek making her blush but you didn't notice luckily for her.

"No problem I'm glad you like them"she smiled at you still feeling the lingering feeling of your lips against her cheek.

"How'd you know I like roses?" asked confused looking at her curiously.

"I talked to Mary"she smiled and it all made sense now.I had a lot to thank Mary for because without her I wouldn't be here right now and I wouldn't be on the date with the prettiest girl in the world.

"Of course you did" rolled my eyes as we both laughed.

“Do you mind if I go put these in my car?"; ask as she nods with a smile gesturing for me to go ahead and as quick as I could unlocked my car and put the roses in the passenger seat before locking it again and headed back to Katie.

I saw she was still outside waiting for me which made me smile.

"Shall we?"she asks as she held the door open to me.She was such a gentlewoman I couldn't get enough of her.

"Thank you l'm sorry I didn't get you anything" apologised regretting not getting her anything but she shook her head as she kept her hand around my waist.

"Don't worry about it"she kissed the top of my head making me blush.

I noticed that Inside, the ambiance is cozy and romantic, with soft lighting and a fireplace crackling in the corner.

"Hi reservation for zelem Katie said politely as she took her hand from around my waist to hold my hand in hers as the lady looked down her list before she grabbed two menus.

She gave us a smile. Todayw me please"she said and we walked after her until we reached a table for two and it was nice and secluded under the lights with a both of privacy away from the other people in the restaurant.

Once the lady leaves before you could sit down

Katie pulls out her chair for you and guiding you into your seat and once your sat she tucks your chair in before sitting in her own.

"Thanks," you say, feeling a little overwhelmed by her chivalry.

"My pleasure," she says with a grin. "So, have you looked at the menu yet? |heard the steak is really good here."

"Hmm, well I am a steak girl" you said as your eyes skim over the menu when you really already know what you want.

"Really I didn't see you as someone who likes steak"she asked curiously.

"Oh god yeah I love it it's all ever eat really probably not healthy but oh well" shrug my shoulders making her laugh.

"Why what do you like?" ask curiously as she just hums.

"I don't know I don't have a lot of options because of my diet"she said.

"Oh cmon can't you treat yourself for one night you tried to convince her as she sighed.

"Alright then"she said fully convinced and attached to your charm.It was only your first date and now she couldn't say no to you.

“Are you ready to order?” A waitress came over with a note pad and pen.

“Uh yea”Katie said and motioned for me to go first which I gladly did after giving her a nod of consent .

“Can I please have a Pepsi to drink and for my main can I please have the 8oz steak with chips please”i said politely putting the menu down and waited patiently as the lady wrote that down .

“And how would you liked that cooked?”she asked .

“Uh well done please”i said and she nodded before turning to Katie and Katie gave the lady her order .

The waitress took our menus off of us .

“And just to make sure we have no allergies?”she asked as me and Katie shook our heads at the same time .

“Ok good I’ll be back soon with your food”she said walking away leaving me and Katie alone .

“So Y/N I know we’ve talked a lot but tell me something about you no one will know tell me just anything about you”she said.

“Uh well I warn you my life not that interesting”i shrugged but she shook her head with a smile .

“I don’t care if you don’t think your life’s interesting just talk to me I wanna know”she said as I sighed .

“Well okay so obviously as you know I’m really close with Mary and she’s been my best friend forever like my second family really”i said and someone else came round with a tray with two drinks on it .

“So I’ve got a Pepsi and a white wine”the guy said placing the two drinks down on the table and we both took a sip from them synchronously.

“So Y/N then I have a question for you why didn’t you have an alcohol beverage?”she asked as she licked her lips not knowing how much it drove me crazy .

“I don’t know I’ve always been a picky person with food and drinks I’m always fussy and with drinks I only really like Pepsi and water and alcohol doesn’t taste that speaking to me but it’s not that bad”i said as she laughed .

“God what am I getting myself into”she said making me laugh with her .

“Well you

“No I like being here with you”she said reaching out and taking my hand above the table and squeezing it making me smile at her .

“Good because I like being here with you as well”i said and we stared at each other with a look our eye that neither of us could explain.

The rest of the time was a waiting game as we waited for our food but that was the last thing on our minds right now as all I could think about was Katie as I spent the most amazing night of my life wine her.She made me laugh without even realising it.

sooner or later though at some point during the night the same lady who was our waiter earlier came over with our food. Good because ‹ hadn't eaten all day and my stomach was rumbling.

" I have the sirlon steak"she said putting my plate down in front of me masking me look at it in awe. Yes i was that hungry.

"so this must be for you, enjoy your meals"The lady said putting Katie’s plate down and walking away to assist someone else .

“Let’s dig in”you smiled at her Katie as she nodded and you both grabbed your knives and began to eat your food in a comfortable silence .

But you had gotten distracted because since Katie had pasta bolognaise she had to swirl around her fork which became a much difficult task that it needed to be.

“Shit”she cursed as the spaghetti fell off her fork once again making you burst out laughing .

“Stop laughing at me”she whined and you saw she had sauce spread all over her mouth because of it .

“Ok ok I’ll stop I’m sorry”I smirked pressing a hand against my chest to calm down my heart rate .

“Oh wait here”i said leaning over the table and wiping the sauce of her mouth with it getting dangerously close to her lips as we looked at each purse with adoration in our eyes .

“There”i said breaking eye contact with her as I leaned back and we both straightened our selves out not wanting the moment to end but sadly it had .

“Thank you”she smiled at me and I nodded placing my arms in my lap.

The waitress came over once again to take your plates away once she had saw that you both had finished your meals and asked if you would like anything else.

“Umm I’m fine”i said feeling full and the waitress turned to look at Katie .

“Then the bill will be all”Katie declined and the waitress nodded walking away .

While she was gone me and Katie both grabbed our purses preparing to pay for the dinner .

The lady came back with the mettle plate with the receipt laying on top of it but from where I was sitting I couldn’t see the price .

“How much is it?”i ask rummaging through my purse making Katie lift her head up and quirk her eyebrows at me .

“Umm £45.62 but you don’t need to know that I’ll pay”she said going to put the money down but I was quicker grabbing her hand before she could put the money down.

“Please Katie let me pay for it you brought me to this nice place it’s the least I could do for you”i pleased with she as she sighed .

“Okay fine”she said as I smirked in triumph knowing I had won over her as I placed the money on the table.I stood up from my chair making Katie look at me .

“I’m going to go to the bathroom before we leave”i said as she nodded and once she saw I couldn’t see her she swapped the money and putting mine back without me knowing.

I finished up in the bathroom and washed my hands heading back to our table and slinging my bag over my shoulder and me and Katie stood up .

“Ready to go?”i ask as she nods and we head out of the restaurant reconnecting our hands together .

We step out of the restaurant and feel the wind hit us as we step onto the street.I felt a bit sad knowing this was over but I had so much fun and I would never forget this night.

“Do you wanna take a small walk around the block with me?”she asked as I nodded excitedly trying to keep my cool.

“I’d love that”good thing she asked because I wasn’t ready for this to be over.We started to walk and you could hear the click of our heels as we walked around the path.Her hand slipped into mine slyly but I let her and held it tightly afraid it’ll fall out of my grip if I held it loosely.

“So Y/N, you noticed your a dancer right?”she asked as you nodded .

“Yeah I’ve been dancing since I was three” I said smiling.I had a lot of am compassion for my career and I held so much love for it .

“And that’s how many years?”she said smirking at me as I slapped her on the arm making her chuckle .

“Rude”i said offended before we both laughed our asses off bending forward before I held her hand in mine again.

The more you walked you could feel the cool night air hit your face as the night darkens.You couldn’t help but shiver involuntarily.Your glad you brought a jacket with you that was just about keeping you warm so that your not that freezing that you were shaking .

“Feeling chilly?”Katie chuckles as she saw the goosebumps creep up your arms .

You nod and zip up your jacket. "Yeah, a little bit. I didn't expect it to be this cold tonight."

Katie chuckles. "Welcome to Manchester weather. You never know what you're gonna get."

As you continued to walk, you pass by a street musician playing a guitar, his voice echoing through the empty streets. Katie stops to listen, and you stand beside her, watching as she sways to the music.

It was a soft song, and you couldn’t help but sway your own hips eyes closed in contempt .

“Katie do you wanna dance?”I ask holding my hand out to her which she takes and we sway back and forth in each others arms until the song is over .

"That's beautiful," she says, her eyes closed.

You nod, feeling a sense of peace wash over you. "Yeah, it is."

You both continued you walk, you had loads of fun as you point out your favourite landmarks and hidden gems in the neighbourhood.You always thought Manchester was beautiful and it was even better at night .

“So you’ve asked me about my career now tell me about yours what’s it like being the captain for man United women”i ask her as i big smile took on her face once again.

“Well I love it really Man U’s my home and it always will be I’m never leaving I love playing for them and I love being the captain and wearing the armband it makes me feel a lot of pride for myself and my name”she smiled broadly.

You both reach the end of the block and end up back outside the restaurant our front where your cars were parked .

You both turn to face each other, there’s a moment of silence as you both look at each other.The air changed with possibility.

Finally, Katie spoke up. “Thanks for joining me tonight Y/N.I had a really great time with you”she caressed your cheek making you blush.

You smile, feeling a rush of warmth. "Me too. I'm really glad we went out."

“Where’s your car?”she asked and i saw her eyes searching around even though she didn’t know which car was mine .

“Just down there”i said pointing at the blue Renault that was a bit down the slope of the hill as Katie nodded .

“Ahh ok do you want me to walk you to your car?”she asked me politely.She was such a gentlewoman.

“I’d love that”I smiled wider than a rainbow as she linked our arms together and I wish it lasted longer because every step we took would be closer to my ride home and the less time I would be spending with Katie.

“Well here I am”i said as we arrived at mg car and I grabbed my car keys out of my pocket sadly and I think Katie could tell .

“Hey what’s wrong?”she asked concerned as I shook my head .

Nothing it’s not important…it’s silly”i said as she cupped my cheeks making us look eye to eye and I stared deeply into her chocolate brown eyes .

“Hey, nothing you do is silly so tell me I wanna know”she said as I sighed looked down at my feet before back up at her .

“It’s just I don’t know you that well but I already know I like you and it’s stupid but I’m already missing you”i said but she didn’t chuckle or laugh at me she just smiled kissing my cheek making my cheeks turn a crimson red.

“Aww Y/N that’s not silly it’s cute” she said and I look at her surprised.

“Really?”i ask as she nods .

“Yeah and I’m gonna miss you as well ever since I’ve met you I know I liked you”she said .

“Well I’m glad we’re on the same page”i said my lips turning upwards .

“Well I better go”she said as she put her bag on her shoulder .

“Yeah it’s getting late maybe I dunno I could take you out next time”i said nervously fumbling over my words I hated how she would be the reason I was stumbling .

“I’d love that I had fun with you I’ll see you soon”she leaned in to kiss my cheek turning around as I watched her walk to her own car already missing the feeling of her body closest to mine as humanly possible.

“Katie wait”i said running after her after I had weighed out my options and she turned around looking confused .

But she didn’t have time to say anything as I pulled her closer to me wrapping my arms around her neck kissing her not giving her a chance to speak.

She quickly rerocpirated my actions holding me up securely by the waist rubbing my sides .

We eventually, not happily though separated for air but I still stayed in her arms not wanting to let go but knew I would have to eventually.

I moved my hands from the back of her neck to wrap around her shoulders and smiled up at her.I was so happy with her .

“I’m sorry I’ve got to go”she apologised but I knew it was a long time coming so I just nodded loving out of her arms .

“I know hey I’ll see you as soon as okay?”i ask as she nodded and I sighed in relief.I couldn’t wait to see her again and I was still standing in front of her .

“Yeah.Definitely I’d love that I’ll text you tonight”she said as we kept our eyes lingering on each other and I tried to desperately pull away .

“Goodbye Katie”i whispered one last time as I tuned around heading to my car succeeding form getting away from her and I could feel her eye lingering on mine as I got into my car but she didn’t leave my head until I got home and she had texted me.But she was in the exact same position as I drove her crazy without even knowing it .

[whydoibe]

I have an idea for setting up the start of dragons rising season 3 be warned of the spoilers ahead

I warned u

It was a new normal but a welcomed calm the ninja were ok with losing jay that was a lie and everyone new it kai was the only one that seemed attualy calm, but nya new that was because he didn't see him the hate in his eyes the pure disgust in losing and her telling him how she felt and who she was nya moved to sit the day was fruitless Lloyd Fraq and Sora failed to locate Arin it seemed more hopless every day Today was her Cole Zane and kai went looking for jay they found nothing they didn't know he had worked for the administration and was now a know fugtive still nothing but today wasn't entirly fruitless they found the walkers junk yard Ed and Edna seemed all to relived at thier presence they talked and talked but once we told them about jay they went quite walking to letter sealed and a key handing it over telling them to open it once they got home sending them off.

Now nya stood letter in hand key to the side she new what it was but new it was meant for jay not her putting in a draw with many other things she thought might jogg his memories a bunch of photos but also well a bit of fangpyre venom just encase they needed to go the kiss root. Closing the draw, nya made her way to the table she smelled curry that smell that she knew. Zane decided tonight he would make jays curry to true and cheer everybody up she hated to say it was working the taste was different but she knew she was bias a little they talked and talked sora and fraq seemed to be getting along geo and Zane got in argument about what constitutes a living thing to his powers testing it Zane was now stuck until geo decide to let him go after dinner they laughed as Zane said it wasn't funny but it was he new it then she spotted something over head a spark lightning she thought with the short time she had the element of lightning she felt the clouds the sky the thunder their power their symphony jay always talked about it and she finally got to hear it she herd her name sung in it according to jay the elemental masters of lighting of the past all the way to the first one would put a song into it and it comforted her to now he chose her to be his addition she added hers it was his name.

Dinner wrapped up, and Zane was let go with the promise of doing the dishes, and that was dinner. It was a busy day, so everyone was heading to bed to sleep. The storm had set in how unfortunate she thought jay would love this lights off and good night nya didn't know what time she woke up but it was to a gaint lighting strick outside her window when she got she smelt it gass how what did Zane not turn of the gas valve no he'd rember that right walking to get every one out even if she didn't know the source but they needed out before a spark happens in kais or wyldfrye sleeps and the bomb she made her way to thier doors getting them up everyone off the noticing the smell and imdently leaving aware of what it meant.

"Zane u shut off the gas right" Cole asked

"Yes, I am." Zane didn't get to finish that sentence before a snickering laugh could be heard from well everywhere, a cruel sadistic laugh then as quickly as the lightning flashed a bolt struck the ground infront of them and there he stood jay he stretched wearing the wolf amour glising as they stared in shock he seemed to stretch before turning around and his red eyes became painfully clear and the smirck on his face was clearly displaying his less than ideal intentions.

"Well, we meet again," his voice deeper. " I have an offer to make," he stopped waiting for an awnser.

"Jay" nya cried his smirck Turing to disgust at her vioce she started to walk toward ksi grabbing her shoulder right she thought we don't know his intentions.

"What do you want" Cole asked

"I need the dragon icon"

Lloyd looked shocked who he'd know about that no one knew but the ninja how'd he know.

"That's a demand not a deal"

"The deals simple your monstary for the dragon icon give it to me or fire and ash is what will remain of your presouis home nothing but ash" he snickered giggling a little at it was he insane who would laugh at that what was funny.

"How why? When is the gas" Zane stored the relzation creaking over them all he was kidding he was serous and tonight was a eltrical storm even I'd they separated him from the monstary he could command the lightning to strike.

"No" Lloyd stated hands glowing green

"What was that"

"He said no," kai stated, looking at jay with hope that he'd stop and say it was a cruel joke nya new that never happened. Jay looked at them

"5"

"What are y-"

"4"

"Jay stop th"

"3"

"Please don-"

"2"

"Run"

"1" the lightning suruned him and bang a white flash and then silence every were the monstary roasting in flames as he turned to face them hood down eyes glowing red he wanted to fight for the icon.

"What have u dun jay" kai cried it seemed to hit they weren't dealing with thier jay a brave kind stupidly intelligent boy they were dealing with a lose broken wild card with out pity or mercy turned on.

"I gave u a choice u choose this you've with it" he smircked red surrounding him.

"U will pay for this" kai stated charging at him fire covering his fist jay and him were evenly matched until jay used that accursed art shatterspin kai upon seeing jay perform it without the gong scared him this meant he was trained and trained well kai performed dragons rising but jay amhad trained to seemingly in an instant jay was gone with a flash as kai crashed into the flames being caught under some debri.

Nya loyd Zane and Cole nodded they started combat while the kids freed kai he was injured heavily a lightning shaped burn covered his chest and left arm. Jay reappeared short circuiting Zane causing him to collapse In pain not moving Lloyd charged and jay was gone with a crackle and then.

" Cole, look out," nya cried as jay appeared, knocking Cole out and blasting him into a wall. Nya performed dragons rising, and he was gone again she went back up where was he Lloyd also locked, confused , and she saw the sparks there she stopped down, hitting Lloyd he was telported into his place they collapsed from the double techniques hitting each other. Jay smircked the carnge till.

"Ahh" wyldfrye screaming the fire in her hand making contact to his left eye fire burning it destroying his sight in it he flung her off clutching his left eye running to the foutain looking to see his eye destroyed blinded his eyebrow notched with the flame he laughed in shock snickering.

"How pitful that's the best you got I can think of a thousand other things you could do with that nun of them pleasant I could kill you were u stand with out a second thought how about that.

Jay stopped as his ear peace beeped.

"Walker we need u quickly do you have it"

Looked around the nearly dead ninja and realising he probaly should have retrieved it first.

"No ras"

"It doesn't matter get here now"

Jay looked around thunder crackling and then nothing he was gone.

[lovelybunn]

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ𔓕 ▒⃡ ‧ 𓐄 drunken heartache .

part one.ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤnext...

pairing: stan marsh & best friend!reader

synopsis: wendy left poor STAN MARSH for the official and final time, and he was devastated about it. depression hit him like a bus, until by some miracle, you showed up, and practically saved his life. a friend like you was just what stan had needed for quite a while, but what if he wanted more?

word count: 1.4k

warning(s): depression, of prns she/her, fem!reader, swearing, slight mentions of misogyny, jealousy, mutual pining, angst, blood, vomiting, alcoholism

STAN LOVED your company, he just really wished Cartman would shut up about "bringing a girl into the friend group". You were chill, there was nothing Stan could see that was wrong with you. In fact, every day you gave him more reasons to like you.

Wendy had brutally broken up with him, yet again, but this time, he was sure she was being serious. Wendy had ripped off Stan's hoodie he gave her and threw it at his face. "Don't ever contact me again, you– you absolute trainwreck! How could you do this to me, Stan? After all I've done for you? I was there for you through everything, and this is the thanks I get?" She screamed, eyes stained blood-red. Stan stood up and cautiously approached Wendy and her shaky figure. He reached out to her, but she slapped his hand away quickly. "Don't fucking touch me." Wendy hissed weakly. "Babe, Wendy, please. It was all a misunderstanding, you gotta listen to me. I didn't mean what I did, what I said, please just let me explain everything and—" She cut Stan off before he could finish, walking out of his room and slamming the door behind her.

Stan shook his head while squeezing the bridge of his nose. "You've got to be kidding me." He dragged his weight to the mini refrigerator and let his knees fall to the floor in front of it. Stan opened the fridge's door, "I should've expected this shit a long time ago. I could tell how utterly miserable she was with me." He recklessly pulled out a long neck, chucking the toxic liquid down his throat. Stan chuckled, the alcohol's buzz already kicking into his system. "Wendy's so right. I am a fucking train wreck. I'm an asshole, a huge, gaping asshole." He burped loudly. Stan stared expressionless at the bottle. "Maybe I'm just unlovable. Maybe I'm just such a dick that nobody likes me."

He crawled onto his sheetless bed, mattress stained with vomit. "Well, other than Kyle and Kenny. Not Cartman, pretty sure he hates everyone other than himself." Stan took another swig of his beer and picked up his phone. He scanned through his contacts and dialed Kyle's number. Stan sluggishly held his phone with his shoulder, his back laid onto the headboard of his bedframe.

"Come on man... Pick up, I really need you right now." It went straight to voice-mail. He hung up, "There's goes for being my 'best friend'. Thanks Kyle, for jack shit." Stan was chugging his beer so fast, he almost choked as he scrolled through his other contacts. He would've called Kenny next, but the poor guy still couldn't afford a cellphone. Stan's eyes shot open as he saw a name he hadn't seen in a long time.

"(Name)." The name tag read. Last called 3 months ago, at 1:20 PM. He stared at his phone in confusion, "(Name)? I haven't seen her since she moved schools. I can't believe I still have her number. Unless she changed it." He tapped on the telephone icon out of curiosity, and you surprisingly picked up within the first beep.

"Hello?" replied a monotonous voice. "Uh, hey. It's Stan, your friend since... elementary?" He tried nervously. Stan was honestly kinda scared that you weren't gonna recognize him. You were quiet, and the silence was unbearable for him. He'd prefer if you just cussed him out or something.

Suddenly, he heard a small chuckle from the other line. "Stan? Like the Stan? Stan Marsh? Wow, dude, you sound groggy as hell." He rolled his eyes. "I'm wasted like a motherfucker." "I can tell, it's not like I didn't watch you crash many times before I moved out of the district. You haven't changed a bit." Stan put his bottle onto his nightstand and laid back, groaning. "Thanks." He said sarcastically.

"Well? What did you need? You don't just ghost one of your friends for three months and then call them out of the blue." Stan grimaced. He gripped at his stomach, swallowing his acid reflexes. "I– I need to vent. Nobody answered but you." You verbally scoffed. "Nice catching up with you too, Stan." His volume raised louder than he intended as Stan cursed, "Goddammit, just–" You quickly silenced yourself at his outburst; Stan sighed in discontent. "I know this is probably not a good time, and you probably don't wanna hear about my problems but..." He paused, the pain in his stomach growing stronger by the second.

You let out an exasperated sigh. "Wendy broke up with you for real this time, didn't she?" Just to have to hear her name being uttered out of your mouth caused Stan to hurl. He quickly yanked the trash can next to his bed off the ground and choked out his morning's breakfast of egg and waffles. He set his phone down on his nightstand and put it on speaker, the trash can stood close to his aching stomach.

Stan wiped the vomit off the corners of his mouth with some of the toliet paper he kept in his room as you called anxiously, "Hello? Stan, you still there?" He cleared his throat before responding, "Yeah. And yes, she did. She called me a 'trainwreck'." You puffed out a gust of air. Stan raised his eyebrow. "What?" Suddenly, Stan was startled with the sound of your hysterical laughter. "She's not even wrong, Stan! Don't be a dumbass if you aren't prepared to get called out on it!" Maybe it was just the buzz, but a small grin crept against his lips.

He rolled his eyes, "Oh shut up. (Name), I called you for you to comfort me, not to make fun of me! If I wanted that, I would've called Cartman." Stan heard you slam a door shut. "Your still friends with him? Personally, I wouldn't do that to myself, but it's your mental health, I guess." He spat out and bursted into cackles at your comment. Through chokes of laughter, he replied, "I do it out of pity! Literally nobody likes him!" You clicked your tongue. "That's why you invite him over to your house to hang out." Stan cringed and shuffled around his bed. Then he heard some water running on the other line.

His eyebrow instinctively raised. "What are you doing?" "About to take a shower. I suggest you hurry and say what you gotta say before I hang up, unless you wanna join me." Stan's cheeks flashed a dark red at the thought. "Hey, I'm not a perv, unlike Kenny!" He stuttered. It was silent for a moment, "You put that image in your head, not me. Also, good luck trying, you don't even know where my new house is." He gasped, "Guh-" You made a quick "goodbye" and hung up on him, leaving Stan speechless.

Stan flopped across his bed and stared at his ceiling. The last thing he wanted was to have weird thoughts about another chick when he just got broken up with the one he's been in love with for years. Wendy had him wrapped around her finger since day one, yet Stan always found a way to fuck their relationship completely over. Sometimes he felt like a black cat, wherever he went, bad luck followed. And now, karma's finally coming back for blood.

Everything Stan's ever done, every regret, every achievement, has led to this moment. He wished he could just go back in time and prevent all of the stupid mistakes he's made in the past from even happening in the first place. Yet something inside of him, maybe a gut feeling, knew that it was supposed to happen. Maybe if he didn't call you, something bad would've happened to him. Stan could've died from alcohol poisoning or something.

Whatever the case, thinking about it too much would just stress him out. Stan tossed himself to the side and shut his eyes. "I need to sleep. Hopefully I'll feel better in the morning." Stan threw his covers onto his already burning up body and drifted off to sleep.

[this-is-mycrisis]

Lucy's First Migraine

brainstormed during a bad bad headache, written and edited during a less bad headache; this is my first time in actual years writing fanfic so please be gentle, but i'd love to hear what you think about it!

Summary: It's not Lucy's first migraine, but it's the first time that someone cares that she's in pain. Staring Lockwood being undeniably in love with Lucy, and oblivious to it; George being a supportive and lovely icon; and Lucy being vulnerable in front of her boys. And special guest references to some of my other posts..

Word count: 1394

Trigger warning: migraine and accompanying symptoms, food mention, I think that's it (let me know if I missed something)

Lucy couldn't really turn her hearing off. She's heard things all the time always for as long as she could remember. It could all be very overwhelming and with little to no reprieve it was no surprise to Lucy that she had quite frequent headaches. Constant overstimulation did no one any favors.

While she was no stranger to headaches, she hadn't had a big one like this in a while. And truth be told, that should have tipped her off. Back home she had at least one or two big headaches like this in a month. She'd always had to do her best to work through it though, her mother would never allow for her to stay home because of a little headache.Never mind that these "little headaches" had Lucy on verge of tears and fighting down nausea every time she moved and with every small noise. 

And that is just what she found herself doing this particular morning. 

Laying as still as she could, Lucy cursed the window for not having better curtains. The light was shining right into her eyes and while she could usually turn over to block it out, it felt like her head might just explode if she tried it.

It didn't help that her boys were downstairs making a racket while fixing breakfast and she could hear whispers of visitors out on the street. Not very strong mind you, it was broad daylight, but it was just enough to further her irritation. God how she wanted to be downstairs with Lockwood and George. She wanted her cup of morning tea and her toast, both of which Lockwood would have undoubtedly ready and waiting by now.

"Luce? Are you awake yet?" Lockwood knocked on the door as he opened it. His voice was probably not as loud as it felt to Lucy; still it reverberated through her, and she must have let out a noise with what was meant to be a silent wince, because the next thing she knew Lockwood was knelt by her bedside.

"Lucy? What's happened? Are you ill?" god why was he so loud- she shifted away from him in an attempt to put distance between her and the noise. That was just about the worst thing she could have done and the tears that she'd been doing her best to stave off started rolling. " 'S too loud" she managed.

Lockwood perched himself gingerly on the edge of the bed and only hesitated once before placing the back of his hand to her forehead. "You're feverish..." Lucy wanted to tilt her head away from him but the outside pressure felt nice- and also that would have hurt more so she just laid there and cried.

"Mmm head hurts" was all she was able to get out, and that was almost unintelligible. Lockwood sat with it for a second before seeming to piece together what was wrong. 

As much as he couldn't turn off his sight, he figured the same would be true for Lucy’s hearing, but never stopped to think what the consequences of that might be. 

"Wait here Luce". His first stop was to dash back downstairs and tell George to halt breakfast preparations where they were, they honestly already had enough prepared for the two of them, and Lucy's tea and toast were already waiting for her.

"Did Lucy decide to sleep in?" George was still facing away dealing with dishes when Lockwood came into the kitchen. "Keep you voice down, Luce has got a terrible headache and sound is bothering her." George whipped around, still elbow deep in soapy water.

"She can hear them still can't she?" "She told you?" "What? No, I just- it makes sense. She's the best at it, she's so sensitive it would make sense that she can hear them all the time." Yes that did make sense. After all, if talking with the Skull for the first time was so overwhelming that she passed out…

"Well either way, we need to make it as quiet as possible inside, even if we can't do much about visitors out on the street. And we'll need to block up that window in her room. Get her tea and toast onto a tray would you? I'm going to get a damp cloth for her forehead- she's burning up." Lockwood was rapid fire listing off things they needed to do to get Lucy feeling well again.

George shook his head slightly, Anthony Lockwood may act holier-than-thou and be brash and want to charge into things head first- but when it came down to it he really did care for his friends. "We'll this'll change the dinner plans, we should probably have something more on the bland side, it'll be better if she's feeling any nausea. That is if she's up to eating at all."

The two set about loading up a tray to take up to their companion. By the time they reached the landing in her room Lucy had managed to scramble herself over to the little bathroom and was laying on the cooler tile with an arm over her face, as far away from the light as possible. And she had done it without throwing up, thank you very much. 

Setting down the tray on the nightstand, Gorge went about blocking out the light and left coaxing Lucy back to bed to the boy who was so obviously infatuated with the prickly girl. Lockwood was knelt a safe distance from Lucy, his hand stretched out as though she were a wild animal. “Lu? George and I have brought you up some tea and toast, just the way you like. You wanna go back to bed and try to eat some?” even though his voice was barely a whisper, the best response that Lucy was able to give was a pathetic whimper. 

The room visibly darkened and Lockwood chewed his cheek and looked over at George; who shrugged his shoulders and went about pulling the blankets and sheets in effort to make it comfy for their friend. “Okay Luce, I’m going to lift you okay? Just to get you to the bed. George has got it nice and comfy, I’ve got a cool cloth for you. It’ll be much comfier than the floor” the best he could get out of the prone girl was a pathetic half nod that pulled another groan and more tears from the girl. So, heart breaking at the thought of causing Lucy more pain, he lifted her shoulders, mindful of her head. 

“Can you stand with me darling girl?” From his spot across the room George shot Lockwood a bewildered look mouthing “darling girl?” at his back. Lockwood had managed to get a half limp Lucy to lean nearly all her weight against him. Very slowly and very quietly he managed to shuffle them back to her bed. “Thanks.” Lucy’s voice was still low and she spoke as if it caused her pain, her eyes were still screwed shut, but she didn’t seem to be crying anymore. George tucked a few pillows around her, making sure her head and neck were supported and that her shoulders were even. Lockwood pulled the sheet and the thinnest blanket over her. 

She was definitely already asleep, no time for tea or toast then. No matter, Lockwood would make her any number of cups of tea and plates of toast, however many times she asked for more. George gestured that he was going to go back downstairs and Lockwood nodded. For a moment he just sat at the edge of her bed, looking at her. He had said once, that he and George would look after her, and he meant it. Seeing now how much pain her talent, her gift, he would be sure to pay more attention in the coming days to see how she recovered. He would be paying attention to potential triggers, though there wasn’t much he could do about the visitors. He swore that he would always be there after a case to take care of her. 

Placing the cool cloth on her forehead, he settled in on the floor, keeping watch over the restless girl. And if he was still there later that evening, rather early the next morning, when Lucy finally woke up and was able to speak, that was no one’s business.

[just2bubbly]

Clandestine Visits

Masterlist

Summary: "Dark lines, not scattered at all. You would not take many lovers in this life. No heartbreaks for you." In moments of busy schedules, Cinder and Kai take out time to visit the marketplace. Their evening takes a turn when they meet a mystic lady, some felicities are better kept uncovered. Ship: Kaider Words: 2.9k

Cinder's Perspective:

She was huddled on the lush bed, her mind lost in thought as she gazed at the dark blue ceiling over her. This small moment of relaxation had not been taken for granted as she had fewer of these in recent months.

Cinder had taken the immaculate opportunity to throw out her extravagant heels as soon as she was in the safety of closed doors. She had been going on parading herself, politely shaking hands, smiling till her cheeks hurt and doing more of the same on the next day for the last 2 months. Going from one union to another- meeting their leaders, signing treaties, going to meet Lunars that had come through, working in and out of offices for her nation. 

Without having to say, Cinder had been exhausted. 

Now she seemed to have found herself in The Commonwealth, next to someone she was rather fond of. Her work didn't make her inside quench as much as the sight of Kai did. Distance and time do stuff to you that cannot be put into words. 

There was a knock at the door, three taps before it was opened. She didn't bother to wake up, already guessing who had disturbed her. 

"I was thinking," she said, feeling the bed dip in beside her. 

"Yes," he muttered, staring at her. 

"I want to go out."

"The marketplace?" She hums in confirmation. 

"Well you can go anytime you want to, I can make clearance for you if you desire."

"I know. I'm not sure if I want to see how much life has changed in the last year."

"It's changed quite some, true. Even your shop has got some interesting modifications," he mentioned.

Now that got her curious as she rolled closer to him, "What do you mean?"

"Maybe you should see it for yourself," he said, cushioning his head at the nape of her neck. 

"You know I can't just vanish anymore."

"But I can," he said, holding back a smile. 

"You want to go undercover?"

"Don't make it sound so mysterious. Just look around for some time and come back. No one usually notices," he explained. 

"How often do you do this, Emperor Kaito?" she asked in astonishment.

"Often enough that Torin knows about it," he explained rather casually. 

"And he doesn't seem to get a seizure out of your safety?" She asked, feeling incredulous, Mateo, her personal secretary would kill her if she pulled a stunt like that.

"I have help minutes away if things go wry. Besides, the marketplace is a shabby place for the Emperor's kidnapping."

"No one gets kidnapped in a fancy place," she said with little wit. 

"That's beside the point, would you be coming along?"

"I would be a fool to deny it," she said already moving. 

He chuckled at her enthusiasm, "Cinder, not right away. I have got a meeting in 10 minutes and you have to be present at the signing at 1400." His words brought her back to the reality of the work remaining to be done. Her shoulders dropped down as her excitement got driven away.

"We could go away at 1700, get an hour or two before the state dinner," she suggested, looking at the notes scattered around her retina. 

"Works for me. I'd reschedule some of my work- "

"You don't have to, Kai," she said cutting him off, not wanting to keep Kai away from his work. Hosting an intergalactic icon along with doing royal duties was nothing short of an abundance of overflowing works.

"You don't have to worry about it, I'd like to spend time with you," he spoke, his words making her fill with adoration. She wasn't going to deny him something that they both wanted. They both knew how scarce time they got to spend together in the last year. Shooing away all concerns of her mind, she brought down her lips to his, kissing him till her heart contended. Her hands went frenzy as they were drawn to his already messy hair. 

"How do you still look beautiful with hair looking like a pigeon's nest?" she muttered, somewhat jealous as her breath mingled with his. He smelt like new sheets and mints, and Cinder couldn't help but get drunk on it.

"I'm quite charming," he laughed, already moving to devour her lips again. 

..

Read Further on ao3.

Tagging: @cinderswrench @gingerale2017 @shellyseashell @kaider-is-my-otp @linhcinder686 @kaiderforever  @slmkaider @salt-warrior @cindersassasin @impossiblesuitcase @deprivedmusicaljunkie @cosmicnovaflare @ikosburneraccount @mirrorballsss @fangirlforever0704

[percyaugod]

ROTTMNT: Jekyll and Hyde AU

Donnie, tired of being treated like he's made of glass, decides to try to find a way to change himself so he can have a hard shell like his two brothers. It should be simple enough. It wasn't even hard to sneak into a pet store and steal a red-eared slider.

Yet in true Donnie fashion, the experiment doesn't quite go as planned. Sure the transformation was excruciating and he got the desired physical change and then some, but the feeling? Undescribable. He's never felt so free! Like he could win any fight!

He needs a whole new look to go with his new form. Oh! Blue like Lou Jitsu's iconic look would be perfect! Donnie having the change montage he deserves.

He reaches for his tech bō but stops. It just doesn't feel right. Why would he need tech when he's got his shell and skills now? He still needs a weapon though.

Then he remembers the unclaimed katanas from when Dad showed them the family heirlooms. They're just sitting in that old cabinet, and it's not like anyone would miss them.

Donnie running around, jumping from rooftop to rooftop with the wind blowing through his bandana when he spots his brothers. They're in a tight spot trying to fight a group of muggers. So of course he (shows off) helps! Raph and Mikey thank him before asking his name.

It's at that point Donnie realizes they don't recognize him. He could just tell them, or. A large bright smile spreads across his face as he holds out his hand. "Leonardo, it's a pleasure."

When Leo gets his mystic weapon Leo probably thinks portals are just Donnie's power that he's unlocked. He believes he's having trouble using them because they're not his powers.

Donnie sees Leo able to use mystic powers, even if not well when Donnie can't. He's tried because if Leo can do it he should be able to as well, right? Except Leo was just Donnie attempting to improve himself. That's all Leo is right? A new and improved version of Donnie.

One that people like spending time with and listening to when he talks. Maybe only Leo can use mystic powers because they are Leo's. He's not interested in tech but Leo knows everything Donnie does about creating and repairing it. Donnie had made himself obsolete.

Because of the transformations, Donnie and Leo develop a high pain tolerance. Leo gets stabbed with the knife still stuck in the wound and doesn't realize it until one of the others points it out. He then proceeds to make the "I've been impaled" reference.

Splinter hears about Raph and Mikey seeing another turtle and spirals thinking he accidentally left one behind when he destroyed the lab. Splinter tells the others about what happened because the new turtle might be their long-lost brother. Donnie honestly feels kind of bad because their dad is blaming himself for leaving behind someone who didn't even exist until recently. Leo is getting emotional because the others accepted him as being family so fast.

Leo messes up and drops the potion to turn back when goofing off and needing help. He needs to get the ingredients from the lair but can't go into the lair because they haven't taken him there and he shouldn't know where it is. So he needs someone to get it for him. Mikey and Raph seem to be getting a little suspicious and he wants to keep having fun with them. So he texts April with Donnie's phone to get some things from a secret draw in his lab and he'll send someone over to pick it up.

April does as she's asked and waits. Leo arrives for the stuff but April won't let him have it. Donnie is up to something and she wants to know what. Now. So Leo promises to show her. He takes the ingredients and mixes them up with the precision only a scientist can possess. He gives her one more chance to back out, of course, she doesn't and he drinks it.

April stares in shock and horror when Leo's form shifts and shivers and he groans in obvious, but muffled, pain. April's brain is unable to process for a few seconds that Donnie is now sitting on her floor wearing Leo's stuff. April took a shaky, calming breath before softly asking, "Donnie, what did you do?"

Donnie probably doesn't want to talk about it, but it doesn't take much for him to cave in. After all, it's April. He'd trust her with his life.

April probably wouldn't like him keeping the secret from his brothers, but she keeps it as long as he promises to tell them sometime soon. Donnie and Leo now have someone to confide in about all of this, which takes off some of the burden. Also extra alibi! Donnie will now sometimes be at April's helping her study!

She doesn't like the idea but Leo talks her into it. Which is a whole other thing. A part of Donnie being so persuasive? The heck? Also, Leo is so calm and relaxed and just seems to have an easy time talking to people. If she hadn't seen the change herself she never would have believed it.

[apocalypticavolition]

Let's (re)Read The Great Hunt! Chapter 40: Damane

Look dear reader, if you don't know what you're getting into this chapter, you really shouldn't keep reading. You shouldn't do it anyway unless you like spoilers for the whole series, but this chapter is better to avoid anyway than most. It's a lot. Don't keep going.

Behold the a'dam icon! Simple, geometrically pleasing, and utterly filled with menace. It's perfect and it's evil.

When she did notice them she stared uncertainly; they were as odd a group as she had ever seen, and she had heard too many rumors of the war on Toman Head.

One of the problems of being trusting of authority figures is that when they're leading you astray you become unable to properly respond to dangerous situations. Liandrin's actions here are probably why Egwene ends up so power hungry later on; she can't let herself be subordinate to someone who might abuse her again.

Oddest of all was the last woman, reclining on a palanquin borne by eight muscular, bare-chested men in baggy black trousers. The sides of her scalp were shaved so that only a wide crest of black hair remained to fall down her back. A long, cream-colored robe worked in flowers and birds on blue ovals was carefully arranged to show her skirts of pleated white, and her fingernails were a good inch long, the first two on each hand lacquered blue.

Meet Suroth. She's fucking evil and has a terrible fashion sense.

“What are you talking about?” Nynaeve demanded. “What is she talking about, Liandrin?” Liandrin laid a hand on Nynaeve’s shoulder and one on Egwene’s.

1. Note that Nynaeve again omits the title "Sedai".

2. Note that Liandrin doesn't even acknowledge these girls as people any more than the Seanchan do.

“Liandrin Sedai,” she said urgently, “who are these people? Are they here to help Rand and the others, too?”

Poor, sweet Egwene. It's rather sad that the EF5 member most eager to see the world is the one who is by far the most naive.

Balling her fist tightly, Egwene hit the woman as hard as she could, right in her eye—and staggered and fell to her knees herself, head ringing. It felt as if a large man had struck her in the face.

The forced linking aspect of the a'dam is already an incredible achievement by Deain Sedai, but really that's at least something the One Power is meant to connect. Carrying pain like that means that Deain came very close to creating the Warder Bond too (in some ways more so), something no one in Seanchan would know (the Hawkwing descendants wouldn't have carried that knowledge over) so she was possibly the greatest Aes Sedai in the world at the time. What a waste.

“I will not punish you further this time, since I should have been on guard with a newly caught damane. Know this. You are a damane, a Leashed One, and I am a sul’dam, a Holder of the Leash. When damane and sul’dam are joined, whatever hurt the sul’dam feels, the damane feels twice over. Even to death.

It's nice that the Seanchan Empire does instill this sense of responsibility in superiors regarding their inferiors, but also JESUS FUCKING AL'THOR EVEN TO DEATH???? Fuck them Seanchan.

“The very first thing you must learn,” Renna said, “is to do exactly as you are told, and without delay.”

You'll note I didn't give Seanchan points for their opinions of how superiors should take responsibility when they fuck up and that's because of shit like this.

That, she realized, was what she had detected in the woman’s voice—a certain good will for a dog in training, not quite the friendliness one might have toward another human being.

This is one of the many reasons there's no such thing as a good slave owner, by the way. Especially not when it comes to chattel slavery.

She wanted to go to Min, but the amount of leash Renna had let out would not reach that far. She called softly, “Min, are you all right?”

The haters never mention how Egwene is more worried about Min than herself in this situation, even though Egwene's situation is way, way, way worse.

“I brought you three,” Liandrin said calmly. “If you cannot manage to hold them, perhaps our master should find another among you to serve him. You take fright at trifles. If patrols come, kill them.”

Oh yeah, and here's another problem with the sheer vertical cliff that is the Seanchan hierarchy: in any sane society, the lessers would be able to report Suroth as a Darkfriend and Aes Sedai sympathizer and something would happen, but they don't and I don't think it's because they don't care.

“Elayne is of no importance, but both the woman and this girl here must be taken with you on your ships when you sail.”

How utterly wrong the Dark is. They clearly weren't expecting anyone other than the DR to be relevant last book and were frustrated with the three for one trick, and now they've added the girls to the roster but not all of them. They're utterly oblivious to how much of a team effort things are.

Should you survive the encounter, the leash and collar will teach you a new life, and I do not believe our master will trouble to deliver one foolish enough to let herself be taken.

Suroth's got that much right, but of course is much too short-sighted and self-interested to think things through.

She had to save Min. If it means groveling. . . . She parted her lips and hoped her gritted teeth would pass for a smile. “Yes, High Lady.” “And if I spare her, if I allow her to visit you occasionally, you will work hard and learn as you are taught?” “I will, High Lady.” She would have promised much more to keep that sword from splitting Min’s skull. I’ll even keep it, she thought sourly, as long as I have to.

This exchange (and everything a'dam related, obviously) is another thing that clearly leads from Egwene being a dedicated teacher's pet, mostly follow the rules type to the ambitious semi-fiend we'll know later on. She's glad to help Min but she's subconsciously being taught that authority only exists to be subverted to your own ends.

“You were honored,” Renna said after a time, “having the High Lady speak to you. Another time, I would let you wear a ribbon to mark the honor. But since you brought her attention on yourself. . . .”

And this is why Suroth can proudly conspire as a Darkfriend in front of Renna even though Renna isn't a Darkfriend, why she can let an Aes Sedai run free around a sul'dam. This absurd standard that applies to Egwene applies to Renna too and everyone else. Never draw the attention of your betters, even if it's for their own good.

Min raised a fist, then let it fall. “I won’t interfere. Only, please, stop it. Egwene, I’m sorry.” The unseen blows went on for a few moments more, as if to show Min her intervention had done nothing, then ceased, but Egwene could not stop shuddering.

This is a reason why it's so upsetting to see Min shanghaied by the Seanchan in the Last Battle, because she knows them at their worst. She's gonna have to do a lot of truth speaking to Tuon, even when Tuon fucking hates it, if she's going to make much difference overseas.

“Liandrin”—Egwene would not give her the honorific, not ever again—“and the High Lady spoke of a master they both serve.” The thought came into her head of a man with almost healed burns marring his face, and eyes and mouth that sometimes turned to fire, but even if he was only a figure in her dreams that seemed too horrible to contemplate.

No Egwene, you've basically got it exactly correct.

She knew it was silly to avoid naming Nynaeve—she did not think any of these people would forget her just because her name was not mentioned, especially the blue-eyed sul’dam stroking her empty leash—but it was the only way she could think of fighting back at the moment.

Rand and Egwene have very parallel arcs, and this seems to be her inverted equivalent of an earlier moment of his: he shouted the Aiel oath of defiance involuntarily against nothing in particular, drawn into power. She's being pulled against her will too, but her defiance is both very real and yet tragically more inconsequential than the oath he swore.

One such, a woman named Deain, who thought she could do better serving the Emperor—he was not Emperor then, of course—since he had no Aes Sedai in his armies, came to him with a device she had made, the first a’dam, fastened to the neck of one of her sisters. Though that woman did not want to serve Luthair, the a’dam required her to serve. Deain made more a’dam, the first sul’dam were found, and women captured who called themselves Aes Sedai discovered that they were in fact only marath’damane, Those Who Must Be Leashed. It is said that when she herself was leashed, Deain’s screams shook the Towers of Midnight, but of course she, too, was a marath’damane, and marath’damane cannot be allowed to run free.

Firstly: the first sul'dam were found after the first a'dam was made and the first collar attached. This very infodump all but gives away the twist! Deain herself must have been wearing the bracelet then.

Secondly: How much like the Shadow the Empire is, that it was strengthened so hideously by a woman who thought that she might benefit herself from service, and that her only reward was suffering from her actions.

“From time to time the Empress plays with lords by linking them to a damane. It makes the lords sweat and entertains the Court of the Nine Moons. The lord never knows until it is done whether he will live or die, and neither does the damane.”

These dudes are mostly the male equivalent of sul'dam and so their deaths (let alone the deaths of the damane, who don't deserve anything that happens to them) aren't even productive for removing male channelers who have the spark from threatening the populace. It's just murder for fun.

Egwene was shocked to discover an urge to do as Renna commanded. She had not channeled, or even touched saidar, in two days; the desire to fill herself with the One Power made her shiver.

Here's the closest thing to a downside that power addiction has for Egwene.

Frantically she reached for saidar, meaning to hurt Renna enough to make her stop, just the kind of hurt she herself had been given. The sul’dam shook her head wryly; Egwene howled as her own skin was suddenly scalded. Not until she fled from saidar completely did the burn begin to fade, and the unseen blows never ceased or slowed.

If I have to read such horrible things, you do too.

“It is good that you have spirit,” Renna said calmly. “The best damane are those who have spirit to be shaped and molded.”

The best damane are those who have to be beaten a hundred times as much as any other just to be good? This empire really does run on BDSM.

Her contact with saidar was gone, and she could not bring it back. In that first fury of knowing that Liandrin had betrayed them, saidar had been there almost before she knew it, the One Power flooding her. It had seemed she could do anything.

The circumstances they're in probably made Nynaeve's power level grow two sizes just from the sheer terror. Plus all the training at the Tower probably kicked in a bit too.

I don’t think they got away, Nynaeve. I should have done something. Min cut the hand that was holding me, and Egwene. . . . I just ran, Nynaeve. I realized I was free, and I ran. Mother had better marry Gareth Bryne and have another daughter as soon as she can. I am not fit to take the throne.

Survivor's guilt is a terrible thing, and Jordan likely heard or even experienced stories of people abandoning each other in the chaos of Vietnam. He's also quite right (through Nynaeve's words) that Elayne is a silly goose for hating herself for breaking under the pressure.

Why are they interested in Egwene and me? Why us in particular? Why did Liandrin do this? Why?

I'm a bit surprised Nynaeve doesn't remember that Liandrin knows they're connected to Rand, but I suppose her source of knowledge about Rand's relative specialness being Moiraine means she's inclined to just toss it aside and ignore it.

I have no intention of buying us dresses, and they won’t be new in any case. My gray silk dress will do us some good, with all those pearls and that gold thread. If I can’t find a woman who will trade us each two or three sturdy changes for that, I will give you this ring, and I will be the novice.

Really the difficulty might be finding a woman in these parts who feels like she can keep a silk dress with pearls and gold in any state of repair. Eventually finery gets so rich that poverty would ruin it on contact. But Nynaeve keeps her accepted ring so I guess things work out!

To speak no word that is not true. That was one, but everyone knew that the truth an Aes Sedai said might not be the truth you thought you heard.

Like I said last chapter, Nynaeve really should have been a lot more suspicious. I suppose she cares of Rand too much to stand by while he's under any kind of threat, even if it's a very tenuous one.

Speaking of, next time: Rand vs. Ba'alzamon again!

[iviarellereads]

Harrow the Ninth, Act Three, Chapter 23

(Curious what I'm doing here? Read this post! For detail on The Locked Tomb coverage and the index, read this one! Like what you see? Send me a Ko-Fi.)

(Third House icon) In which there's some particularly nasty business if you have the usual set of cultural taboos.

FOUR MONTHS BEFORE THE EMPEROR'S MURDER

The mood of the Mithraeum has changed for the worse. Harrow tries to train and build muscle to use her sword, tries so hard that she "would have broken the heart of any actual swordswoman."

Nobody can quite describe a Herald to her, because they cause madness and eye-bleeding in all those who behold them.

She discusses things with John, including Ianthe. John says if he were to give her an epithet, it would be the Saint of Awe. Harrow, through "a scab formed over everything that had happened", thinks that probably didn't suit Naberius. Harrow also asks about battles to come.

But you pressed: "Lord, it's not certain that I'm going to die." He did not correct your Lord, then.(1) In those oil-slick, inconceivable eyes, you saw a flicker of something that you did not understand. God said, "Harrowhark, to that, to everything, all I can say is that I live in hope. And that you need to keep handling your rapier."

So, she sneaks into the training room, and tries and tries.

Later, Harrow walks past the door to Cytherea's tomb, but the door is closed, which it never usually is. Ignoring her sense of self-preservation, she opens the door and finds the Saint of Duty holding Cyth's body. Not just holding her. Doing something unmentionable(2) that made Harrow blush all the way up to her ears. He tells Harrow to close the door and go away, and she does. Harrow goes to tell Ianthe, but when she gets to the details, Ianthe is dismissive, saying "Oh, but who hasn't done that,"(3) but at least now they know who's been moving her, so to speak.

Harrow isn't so easily dismissed, and they snark back and forth some, each telling the other an insult given by one of the elders. Ianthe says Teacher asked if they could store Harrow in with him when the Beast comes. Harrow, reduced to using this form of insult, nevertheless relays that Teacher called Ianthe "far from a perfect sword hand", at which point Ianthe asks if those were his exact words, and Harrow confirms.

Ianthe calls God a dickhead. Harrow is consumed by fury at this blasphemy.

You drew your two-handed sword from your back: your wrists weren't quite in the right position,(4) but it was a good attempt. [...] You said, "Do not blaspheme in front of me." "Don't draw on me with that ridiculous thing. You don't even know where you got it." "God gave it to me." "And you've never asked yourself why?" At those mere six words, your brain revolted. You felt a hot, thick sensation in the back of your top sinuses that you had not felt in a very long time, never approaching your limits enough for it to occur: a nosebleed. "So tell me why," you said evenly. "Can't," she snapped. "You ensorcelled my jaw,(5) you fucking psycho shadow vestal! Yes, I worked that one out! So unless I want to do homebrew mandible surgery, I can't squeal to anyone. And I have thought about homebrew mandible surgery, but I have no idea how far back your curse extends, because I'm not a blackened, tedious little bone witch. Now sheathe your sword; you don't want to go toe to toe with me."

Harrow says she's wrong about that one, and Ianthe makes threats Harrow wants her to act on. They stare each other down across Ianthe's bed, until Ianthe calls Harrow's bluff and submits dramatically to Harrow's murdering, because she's up too late and has to be up early.(6)

There was no answer to that, naturally, except to sheath your sword, return to your bedroom, and put yourself to bed, defeated.

=====

(1) Interesting that he still hasn't told her all that he supposedly is, when he told her not to worship him until he does. He mostly still corrects her when she calls him by a holy name instead of a normal one. (2) The lack of detail is used so surgically in this book, because we as readers will generally do much worse in our imaginations than any specific details a writer can provide. (3) This exchange really implies to me that there wasn't precisely sex going on in the chapel, but makes me wonder exactly what Muir thought it would be, something big enough to scandalize Harrow but small enough to make Ianthe roll her eyes. (4) Yes, whoever is narrating certainly knows a thing or two about swords. (5) Another clue as to what happened, and why Harrow had to examine Ianthe's jaw and tongue in that early chapter. (6) So relatable.

[sapphic-swiftie13]

After an award show

I've got to be honest with you guys, this might be the horniest text I've ever written.

My excuse for that is that I'm hormonal and horny, because of my period.

I am so sorry for Brie Larson if she ever comes across this text. I'm sorry Brie, I really am.

I also hope this text makes up for the last one-shots that were really short.

Okay bye, I need to take a cold shower.

This was your first time ever attending an award show. It was quite scary if you were completely honest with yourself. To your advantage, you had Samuel L. Jackson by your side. He was your costar, and he had also turned out to be a good and close friend. Someone you could turn to for anything. Advice, and help, no matter the issue, he was always there to talk to.

"There is so many people here... goddamn," you said nervously, clinging to his arm.

"Don't worry... they'll all soon find their seats, just like we will," he reassured you.

Letting out a breath you didn't know you had been holding in, you followed him, until you finally could sit down. Looking around, you could see all these famous actors and actresses talking and laughing.

            They really did have a good time. But you couldn't. You knew that there was a slim chance you could end up winning an award, and it scared you, to stand up at the big stage having to tell a speech, which you hadn't prepared in the slightest.

Noticing that nearly all the women wore dresses made you anxious, it felt like you blended too in with the men as you wore a suit.

You took out the flask you had stashed in your pocket and drank from it, the burning sensation in your throat gave you something else to think about.

"Are you feeling okay?" Samuel asked, immediately laughing when you started drinking even more.

"No, I can't be here sober... it's giving major anxiety vibes... I know."

"I'm also getting 'major alcoholic vibes' from the flask you've been carrying all this time."

            "Oh god, you're too old to say major and vibes in the same sentence..."

"What? You're the one teaching me about what all the young people are doing and saying..."

You only laughed in response, feeling more relaxed as the alcohol slowly entered your bloodstream.

"So, now we just sit here and wait?" you asked, as you noticed Scarlett Johansson passing by.

"Oh my god... did you see her?"

"Who?"

"Scarlett motherfucking Johansson!" you squealed, too loudly for your own liking.

You looked Samuel right in the eyes, and said, "y'know, she is so fine, her smile, and those gorgeous eyes, like, I can't, I'm fangirling too much... she is so beautiful."

Samuel looked at you in disbelief.

"Gay awakening right there, like, if you didn't feel yourself getting warm and flustered as you stared at her on the big screen in a movie theatre, then you're a weirdo. A legend, an icon, and utterly stunning, is what she is!" you rambled on, forgetting where you were.

Someone cleared their throat right beside you, and you slowly looked up at them.

"You called my name?"

"Oh, God... shit. I am sorry."

She just laughed at your response. "No, no, it's fine! Glad to have helped you figure out your sexuality... you're looking quite attractive yourself, especially in that suit."

She flashed you a smile, winked at you and walked away swaying her hips. You slowly leaned back in your chair, praying that no cameras caught that embarrassing moment.

Samuel sat beside you laughing until he couldn't breathe, coughing, tears welling in his eyes.

"Are you sure she isn't your crush?" he said in between coughs, grinning from ear to ear.

"She isn't anymore... but believe me, she was my celebrity crush for quite some time."

"Mhhmmm..." he muttered out, unconvinced.

He tried to look where you were currently looking. Trying to see any faces he might recognize, that could be your type.

"Who is it then, your celebrity crush?" he asked smiling.

"If I told you that, then I'm never living it down."

"Oh, come on... give me a hint at least."

"It's.... a woman."

"No shit, sherlock. You're the gayest person I've ever met."

"You like women more than men like women... do you get that, that's some next level shit..." he said, stating facts.

All you did was laugh.

"True... true..." you mumbled, as the host walked out on stage.

All the talking from around the big room died down, and soon every head was turned in the direction of the stage.

A lot of famous names were said, but only a few of them won awards. Leading actress was far out of your reach, so you sat comfortable in your seat.

            Then it happened. There was not a lot of categories left, but of course, this one, you had been nominated for, the words Rising Star popped up on the big screen. Then the image of yourself, another actress, and two actors came up right under the text. You looked absolutely terrified. Your hands were getting sweaty. This was it.

"Now or never..." Samuel whispered, taking ahold of your hand.

Then your heart stopped.

The host said your name.

Your hand was squeezed softly, and Samuel stood up, pulling you with him.

In shock, you stood there with your mouth open, not believing your ears.

You didn't think you were going to win.

You hadn't prepared a speech, or anything.

Samuel pulled you in for a big hug, and you hugged him back, feeling his safe and secure arms around you pulled you back to reality.

All around you people clapped, congratulating you.

The director patted your shoulder, and grinned at you. All you did was smile, in pure shock.

Then Samuel put both his hands up in the air, and you hit them both, giving him the high ten in pure joy.

He wrapped his arm around your waist and walked towards the stage, guiding you.

Once you stood on the stage, you didn't really know what to say.

Nervously you walked up to the microphone, and Samuel gave you a thumbs up as he started walking back to his seat. "Come here!" you whispered at him, scared shitless by the lights that were shining at you.

"This is your award!" he whispered back, as you were internally freaking out.

"Well, I'm going to shit my pants! Get your ass over here unless you want to deal with that mess and clean it up."

The audience laughed. You only got more nervous. The microphone had picked your words up.

"You've got this!" Samuel reassured you, smiling, and now you actually let him go back to his seat.

You sighed before looking out at all the other actors and actresses, overwhelmed by how they all looked at you.

Then the host came over with your award, and you nervously thanked him as he gave it to you.

"I don't know what to say... I didn't prepare for this, at all..." you said into the microphone, voice quavering.

You pulled out your flask and chugged down the rest of the burning liquor.

"Oooh, that stings..." you stated, as you carefully hid it again.

Samuel laughed, grinning from his seat.

"Wait is that allowed, to drink on live television?!" you asked, getting even more nervous.

"Fuck, I probably shouldn't have done that... shit, am I allowed to say fuck? No wait... sorry... can I swear?" you asked, looking out at the crowd with fear in your eyes.

Once again, the audience laughed, but even louder this time.

The panic on your face getting clearer by each second that passed.

"Okay.... well, uh, first off, I have to thank the director, the producers and the whole crew, everyone behind the cameras, and in front of them. Thank you to Samuel L. Jackson, for helping me while filming the movie, thank you for all the laughter and the smiles that you repeatedly put on my face. Thank you to my parents, for supporting me, and letting me stand here and embarrass myself! Thank you to all the fans that watched the movie, both in theatres and in the comfort of your own home... Thank you for making this possible, I wouldn't be standing here if it wasn't for you guys!" you said, as your nerves slowly but surely disappeared.

"Now... is there a bar nearby? I need more alcohol, or else I'm going to drop-kick a child. Sorry, that was a joke. I do in fact not hate children...... that much," you joked, with a deadpan face, making the crowd burst out in laughter.

As the laughter was dying down, you walked down the stairs with the award in your hand.

When you had gotten far enough from the stage, you ran toward Samuel, in a hurry to get to your seat again.

"That was good! You did great!" he reassured you as you sat down in your chair.

"You really think so?"

"Of course!" he beamed at you.

When they had put ads on for television, all the people started moving, finding other groups to chat to.

"You said that you were thirsty? Was that also a joke?" Samuel asked you, with a smirk.

"No, I definitely need more alcohol..."

"Well, let's find us some..." he said, standing up.

Once again you were following him, feeling lost like a puppy.

You finally came to a stop when Samuel had snatched two champagne glasses from a cater that walked by.

"Finally..." you said and took a sip of it.

Then you spotted her. Your celebrity crush, in the flesh, walking towards you, only a few meters away from where you were currently standing. You were now choking because of the champagne that had went down your airway by mistake as you were caught off guard.

Samuel patted your back, and looked in your direction as you coughed, trying to play it off.

"Are you serious?"

"What?"

"She's your crush..." he said loudly.

You smacked him in the arm with your award. "Hush!"

"I know her! We've acted together countless times! She's a good friend of mine!"

"Exactly!" you answered him, and he caught on.

Then she came over, smiling at Samuel, and then you. She went in for a hug, and there you stood, awkwardly watching them as she hugged him tightly.

"I don't believe we've met before... it's so great to finally meet you, I'm Brie! And congrats with the award, well deserved might I add!" She congratulated you, a smile tugging at her lips.

You didn't know how to speak. Words left your vocabulary. Your mind went blank.

Samuel nudged your shoulder.

"Uh... ehm... thank you... nice to meet you too!" you rambled on, internally screaming.

"I think it'll be starting again soon... but you're coming to the after-party, right, Samuel? Oh, you're also invited, a friend of Samuel is a friend of mine!" she asked him, grinning, walking away towards her seat.

Samuel just nodded at her, and she smiled back, disappearing into the crowd again.

"Now this... this is something you'll never live down... that was embarrassing to watch!" he stated, laughing, as you chugged down your champagne.

After the embarrassing encounter with your crush, time seemed to fly by, and soon enough it was time to leave.

It was unreal, all the flashing lights that blurred your vision as you walked out of there. Cameras in every direction, nearly blinding you.

All you could think about as you and Samuel walked to his car was the fact that you were going to an after-party, at Brie Larson's place.

            Samuel opened the car door for you.

"Thank you..." you mumbled.

Then he got into the driver's seat and started driving. "Where are we going?" you asked, looking out the window, fidgeting with your award, trying to find out where Brie lived.

"I am driving you home..."

"What? Excuse me, I am so coming with you to the party!"

"Of course, but not with the award, you're not."

You softly hit his shoulder in response.

"Scared you, didn't I?"

You stared daggers at him.

"So scared of not getting to be in Brie's presence... you really do have a crush on her..."

"Hey! It is not my fault that she looks so..."

"Hot? Sexy? Gorgeous? Pretty? Stunning?" he asked mockingly, teasing you.

            "If you put it that way... then yes. I was going to say, attractive... but those words also describe her very well."

He only laughed, pulling over outside of your apartment.

Soon enough you had put your award on a shelf in the safety of your own home, and then you went to freshen up, practically drowning yourself in perfume, fixed your mascara, and put on more lipstick.

Then you walked out again, happy that his car still stood there.

"What took you so long?"

"I had to freshen up!"

"Right... like you weren't turning heads already."

"I need her to look at me... meaning that those who already has been looking doesn't matter."

            "Scarlett Johansson looked at you..."

"Because I said her name, catching her attention."

"She also winked at you..."

"True," you said, while smirking.

"Look, right there, that's her place..."

"Uh... there's not a lot of cars here," you said, noticing the nearly empty street.

            "It's a small, and intimate after-party."

You only gulped at his words.

"Come on, you don't want to keep her waiting, do you?" he asked jokingly.

He knocked on the door and entered, once again you followed him like you were lost and in desperate need of help.

"There you are! Thought I recognized your car from the window!" Brie beamed, pulling him in for another hug.

As they pulled away from each other she looked at you and smiled.

"You're looking so left out, come here!" she said as she lazily put her arms on your shoulders, pulling you into her for a hug. Her perfume crept up your nose, and you could feel yourself lean into her touch just as she pulled away.

She was simply intoxicating.

"Are you thirsty?" she asked and gestured to the counter with countless of drinks and bottles.

Samuel grabbed a beer and thanked Brie, then she walked away, greeting the other people that just walked in the door.

"Do you want something?" he asked, but you shook your head, you were already tipsy and knew you probably shouldn't drink more if you wanted to remember this night.

Then he walked away, and you trailed behind him, until he sat down on a couch in what you presumed was her living room.

"So well decorated," you said, sitting down opposite of Samuel and pointed to the paintings at the walls, the plants, and looked at how all the colours seemed to blend into each other.

"Thank you..." a voice you could recognize anywhere spoke out, then you felt her sit down beside you. Your breath hitched at how close she yet again was.

Looking at Samuel didn't help; he was desperately trying to hide his smile.

"So, congratulations again, on winning, must've been a big moment for you..." the blonde woman beside you said, her voice sending shivers down your spine.

"It was... I mean, I was so shocked... didn't think it was really happening..." you mumbled, scared of embarrassing yourself in front of her again.

"I think you handled it well!" she complimented you, as her eyes met yours.

You quickly looked away, and you could feel her smiling.

"So, what made you want to become an actress?" Brie asked, trying to get to know you.

"Uh... throughout my childhood I always had to pretend to be someone I'm not... so I decided to make use of that..." you answered, your voice slightly quavering.

            "Oh..." she mumbled, realizing that the topic wasn't really a happy one.

"But now I'm not pretending anymore... I mean, the closet was made of glass..." you said, letting out a small chuckle.

"I see..." she answered, understanding what you talked about and flashed you a smile. 

"Are you sure you don't want a drink?" Samuel asked, smirking from the couch opposite of yours.

"A drink would be quite nice, actually..." you said, and quickly stood up, glad to have gotten the chance to escape from the awkwardness so you could compose yourself.

Samuel chuckled and took a sip of his beer.

"I'm going to get a refill..." Brie said as she stood up too, immediately destroying your plan.

She placed her hand at the small of your back, slightly pushing you, guiding you to the kitchen even though you had just been there.

"So... what do you want?" she asked softly beside you, gesturing to the beverages, but you were too distracted by her facial features to notice. 

"Uh... what?"

"What do you want to drink?"

"Oh..." you answered, as you realized you had misunderstood.

"What did you think I was asking you?" she asked, a small chuckle escaping her lips.

"Uh... ehm, nothing?" you stuttered as all you thought about was how much you wanted her. You wanted to feel her close, twisted in bedsheets.

"I'll have some wine..." you said, trying to play it off.

She poured you some of the red liquor. All you could focus on was her slender fingers holding onto the glass.

"What's gotten you so distracted?" she asked, as she gave you the glass, her fingers grazing your own.

"Uh... nothing."

"If you say so," she hummed unconvinced as she refilled her own glass.

You both walked back to the living room, with your drinks in hand and sat down on the couch. Then you recognized a buff man walking in.

"Oh my, he's even bigger in person," you said, not believing your own eyes.

"Chris Hemsworth, yeah, he's... strong. But don't worry, he's kind as a teddy bear," Brie whispered in your ear, her hot breath on your bare skin making you shudder.

"Hey, congratulations on the award!" Chris said, shaking your hand. "I'm Chris!"

"Thank you..." you muttered out and noticed how his muscles nearly ripped his shirt open.

He then walked over to the other brawny men, Sebastian Stan, and Chris Evans. It was impossible to not notice them, all the ladies were sneaking glances at them every other second.

"So, how do you guys know each other?" you asked Brie and Samuel, trying to strike up a conversation.

"We've acted in many movies together, actually..." Samuel answered, glancing at Brie.

"Captain Marvel, Unicorn Store, Kong: Skull Island, is some of them, to name a few," she answered and took a sip of her wine. 

"Is it just me or are you like, really tense? You don't seem to be relaxed at all..." she followed up, in a worried tone.

It was hard to think, or speak, or do anything at all. She had picked up on how nervous you were around her.

"Excuse me, where's the bathroom?" you asked, getting up.

"Down the hall, first door to the left," she answered, glancing at Samuel who only shrugged his shoulders. You chugged down all the wine, regretting it immediately, and placed the empty glass on the table and practically ran towards the bathroom.

It was impossible to act even the tiniest bit normal. The effect she had on you was just too much. As you tried to open the bathroom door you quickly realized that it was locked.

Deciding to stand there and wait, Brie caught up with you.

"Are you okay?" she asked, standing right in front of you, just close enough to touch.

"Yes... just overwhelmed."

"What's bothering you?"

            "It's nothing..." you said refusing to meet her gaze.

She took a step closer to you, and your breath hitched in response.

Slowly she took a hold of your chin and forced you to look at her.

"Do I make you nervous?" she asked with one raised eyebrow.

"What?" you asked back, as your cheeks were covered in a red flush.

It somehow felt illegal to admit that you desperately wanted her.

Your eyes trailed downwards, her blue dress resting at the top of her breasts, the fabric hugging her in all the right places.

            You were wishing that her dress would slip down, just a tiny bit, but you scolded yourself for even having the thought.

"Is that why you're acting like this?" she asked, noticing where your eyes were wandering on her body.

You looked up at her, meeting her eyes again. Somehow, something just took over you, it was difficult to distinguish if it was arousal or confidence, because in a matter of seconds you put your arms around her neck and kissed her hungrily.

She didn't kiss you back, just put her hands on your shoulders, carefully pushing you away.

"You're drunk."

"Me being drunk doesn't change the fact that I've been crushing on you for so long..." you admitted, cupping her cheek.

"You're so gorgeous... it actually hurts," you complimented her, your thumb stroking her cheek.

"You're not thinking clearly," she answered, letting out a sigh.

"So, me being inebriated means that I don't know what I want anymore?" you asked upset.

"That's not what I said..."

"I want you so bad... I need you to just touch me-" you tried to speak but she cut you off.

            "I don't want to take advantage of you being intoxicated," she said in a stern voice.

"Well, you're not!"

"You're throwing yourself at me, something you most likely wouldn't have done if you were sober," she explained in a gentle tone.

Getting slightly angry you brushed past her and headed towards the kitchen. As you walked through the living room, Samuel asked, "where's Brie?"

You didn't answer him, just kept walking, and he immediately understood that you weren't in a good mood.

            She had told you that you were too drunk, and you decided to drink even more, just because you were hurt, and didn't take rejection well. Not a good solution.

You grabbed a beer and walked over to Chris Hemsworth.

"Hey..." you said, and he instantly moved a bit to the side, making space for you.

            "How's it going?" he asked a little bit concerned at the disgusted look plastered on your face.

"Could have been better..."

            "Someone pissed you off?" Sebastian asked, and looked over your shoulder, trying to see if someone looked guilty for making you mad.

"Yup," you said, and turned around, glancing at Brie as she sat down on the couch opposite of Samuel.

Chris Evans started laughing, with his hand placed firmly on his chest.

            "Larson made you angry?" he asked, shortly after.

"How?" Sebastian asked confused.

"She's so kind, how can she make anyone mad?" Hemsworth chipped in, looking at how she pulled at her dress.

            "I tried to kiss her..." you admitted, and chugged half of the beer.

"Easy there..." Hemsworth said and carefully nudged the bottle away from your lips.

"What do you mean, tried to kiss her?" Evans asked.

             "I put my arms around her neck, and kissed her, she pushed me away."

"Why?" Sebastian asked glancing at Brie.

"Because she's so kind and pretty..."

"I think he meant to ask why she pushed you away..." Chris Hemsworth said and chuckled.

            "Oh..." you mumbled, realizing you once again had misunderstood something this night.

"She said she didn't want to take advantage of me being drunk."

            "That's a fairly good reason to not kiss someone," Sebastian said, agreeing with Brie's actions.

"She could have been nicer about it," you said, and took a sip of your beer.

            "What do you mean?" Chris Evans asked, trying to understand the whole situation.

"She said I was throwing myself at her... and that I wouldn't do that if I was sober... but if I was sober, I wouldn't have had the guts to even look at her..." you admitted, feeling dizzy.

"I think you should apologize to her," Chris Hemsworth said, and took a sip of his own beer.

            The two other men nodded in agreement.

"You really think so?" you asked, scared of embarrassing yourself even more.

"Yeah, definitely," Sebastian said, with a smile.

"Okay... thank you guys... for the talk."

They all chuckled as you stepped away and made your way to the couch.

You sat down beside her and felt her eyes on your side as you placed the beer bottle on the table.

            Glancing at her you said, "I'm sorry..."

"For what?" she asked slightly confused.

"For kissing you... and acting like a dick afterwards."

Samuel's eyes went wide. "You did what?" he asked shocked.

            "It's fine... we all do things we'll later regret while we're drunk," Brie said, putting an arm around you, pulling you toward her in a playful manner.

You completely froze for some seconds. She was sending so many mixed signals, and you couldn't process any of them because of how inebriated you were. So, all you did in response was lean into her touch, focusing on how her hand was resting on your hip.

"Is that Tom Hiddleston and Tessa Thompson?" you asked, looking at the two people laughing in the corner.

            "Yes, it certainly is," Brie answered you as Tessa got her phone out and started showing Tom a video or something.

You grabbed the bottle on the table and drank the rest of the beer.

"Should she drink this much?" Brie asked Samuel.

            "I'm right here," you said, hitting her softly in the shoulder.

"I haven't really gone out drinking with her before, so I don't know her tolerance..." Samuel said and looked at you again.

Brie only huffed as you got up again, stumbling as you walked to the kitchen again, your vision already slightly blurry.

            You got excited seeing a bottle of vodka on the counter.

You filled up a small shot glass and poured the liquor into it and chugged it.

Filling it up again, and ready to chug it down a voice spoke out, "I really don't think you should have any more to drink."

            You chugged it down, not listening to the woman.

"Too late..." you said, chuckling.

"So... why are you drinking so much?" she asked in a disappointed tone.

"I'm drinking so I don't have to deal with my feelings."

            "That's never a good idea, honey."

"I know... but it feels good to just not worry for some time..."

"That's the high speaking... soon you'll be puking and wishing you never drank anything in the first place." 

            "You might be right... you might be wrong. Who knows?" you asked jokingly, slurring your words.

Then you tried to walk back to the living room, nearly tripping.

"I've got you..." she said and held around you, guiding you, that's when you noticed that it was Scarlett.

"Someone should take care of her... and drive her home..." she said loudly, looking around the room, noticing that everyone was holding a drink in their hand, too inebriated to drive.

            "She can rest in my bed and sober up..." Brie said as she stood up and walked over to the two of you. When Scarlett let go, you nearly fell, but Brie wrapped her arm around your waist and started guiding you towards her bedroom, and you could hear the group of brawny men laughing.

"I don't need your help..." you said getting annoyed at her firm grip.

"You sure?" she asked chuckling.

            "Yes..." you scoffed, and she slowly let go, and you used the wall to steady yourself as you walked, your vision so blurry that you couldn't see what was in front of you.

You felt a door handle and tried to open it. "That's the bathroom," Brie informed you in a gentle voice.

"Let me help you..." Brie said and wrapped her arm around your waist again, guiding you further down the small hallway.

"It's in here..." she said, opening the door, and helped you over to the bed.

You sat there on the bed, looking at her, as the room felt like it was spinning. Then you felt her taking off your shoes.

            "I'm placing them right here... beside the bed," she informed you, like she was scared you'd think she was stealing them.

"Okay..." you mumbled, understanding that she didn't want to get muck in her bed.

"Do you want help taking off your jacket?" she asked in a soft voice.

            "Mhmm," was the sound that left your mouth.

She started undoing the buttons, and took it off you, and folded it, placing it on the chair beside her dresser.

"Pants too?" she asked as you sat there, staring out into space.

            "Mhhmm," you muttered out again, as your gaze landed on her again.

"Okay, you need to stand up now..."

You slowly stood up having a hard time keeping your balance, then you tried to unbutton your pants but failed miserably as your blurry vision screwed it up for you. Then you felt her hands meet yours, only to move them away so she could do it for you.

            "Thank you..." you whispered, as she dragged the pants down your legs, and you stumbled out of them, only to flop down on the bed, your head hitting the pillow.

She folded the pants and placed them on your jacket, walked back to you, and pulled the covers over you.

            "Night..." she said, while walking away and closed the door, and as soon as you closed your eyes you dozed off.

Then you woke up and felt someone beside you. Carefully you sat up, looking out the window, realizing that it was pitch black outside.

            Looking down at the woman beside you that slept peacefully was a weird experience. Your head was hurting, your hungover hitting you like a truck, but seeing her half naked beside you made you aroused.

You laid back down and tried to fall asleep again. Her hot breath hitting the side of your face time and time again.

            You shifted around, trying to find something else to focus on. She was sleeping only a few inches away from you and it didn't help that you could feel the warmth of her body radiating. She drove you crazy as her warmth went straight down to your core, making you even more aroused.

            You kept on shifting every few minutes. She was so close to you, and you clenched your thighs together, hoping that the throbbing sensation in your clit would just disappear. But it didn't, it only grew stronger.

A frustrated groan escaped your lips as you gave up finding a position to sleep in.

Then you felt movement beside you.

"Are you alright?" she asked groggily.

            "Yes... I'm sorry I woke you..." you apologized, clenching your legs once more, thankful that you faced away from her.

"Are you sure that you're okay?" she asked, not convinced.

"Yes... just... go back to sleep."

She placed her hand on your thigh under the covers and said, "if you're not feeling well, then I'm not going to sleep."

You softly moaned at her touch since she was so close to where you needed her. You cursed yourself for doing that, especially loud enough for her to hear.

She sat up and you could feel her eyes on you, like she was staring.

            "Turn around..." she said, in a stern voice. You only gulped, scared of her seeing how hot and bothered you were.

"Come on, turn around."

"No," you protested, nearly groaning at her words.

"Fine," she said, and then took ahold of your shoulder and pushed you down, so you laid on your back.

            "Your forehead..." she muttered out, "glistening because of sweat..."

Your breath hitched as she analyzed everything about you.

"Your breathing is uneven; your chest is moving fast. It seems like you've been awake awhile, and you're alert..."

"Did you just masturbate?" she asked, one eyebrow raised as she stared down at you.

"What?! No!" you yelled out, not believing she really had asked you that.

            "I wouldn't do that with you in the bed... that's creepy... a violation," you said covering your face with your hands.

"Then what's wrong?" she asked, trying to figure out why you were so on edge.

"Nothing!"

"You literally moaned when I touched you, what is going on with you?"

            "Just drop it... go back to sleep," you pleaded.

"Is this about what you said when you were drunk in the hallway?"

"Huh?" you answered confused.

"You don't remember?" she asked surprised, with a smirk on her face.

You went silent, you had no memories of talking to her in the hallway.

She hovered over you, leaning slightly down.

"What are you doing?" you asked as your eyes were frantically looking all over her face.

            "Did you mean it?" she asked, and her breath hit your face.

"Mean what?" you asked back, uncertain and scared of what you had said to her while being drunk.

She bit her lip, looking down at you.

"You said you wanted me badly, and that you needed me to touch you..." she explained, and a red flush covered your cheeks.

            "I stopped the whole thing, telling you that you were drunk, and I guess I was right, because you were so drunk you don't even remember it."

"Is that what's bothering you?" she asked, searching your face for answers.

You laid under her afraid to answer.

            "Do you need me to... touch you? Is that it?" she asked, and put her hand on your thigh again, softly massaging it.

You didn't dare to answer, scared that she'd stop if you said the wrong thing.

"Do you need me closer?" she asked, knowing you wouldn't say anything unless you wanted her to stop.

The pool of wetness between your thighs grew larger as her hand slowly crept closer to where you needed her.

"Do you need me... right here?" she asked, as she rubbed circles on your clit over your underwear.

            You let out a soft moan and gripped her t-shirt and pulled her down until her lips met yours. She was calm and collected, you were not. You kissed her like you'd never get the chance to again, hard, and desperate.

            She pulled away and chuckled. "So, you did mean it."

"Yes..." you mumbled, blushing.

She leaned down again, and teased you, her lips brushing yours, but not really touching. Every time you tried to close the gap she would pull slightly away, making you reach out for her only to slump back down again.

            "Don't do that..." you said as you once again stared up at her, pouting.

"Do what?" she asked, a smile tugging at her lips.

When she leaned down to tease you again, you placed your hands at her sides and stopped her from moving away. You carefully pressed your lips against hers, moving softly in sync with her. Slowly you let your hands slip under her t-shirt, roaming upwards, but you didn't dare to go higher than her toned stomach. She pulled away from you, looking at you with curiosity in her eyes.

            "What is it?" she asked as your hands had stopped and simply just rested right under her breasts.

"Nothing..." you stuttered, afraid of messing something up.

"You can touch me, y'know, I am as much yours as you are mine."

            "Okay..." you said, letting out a breath you didn't know you had held in.

Still, you didn't do anything. She pulled her t-shirt over her head threw it away behind her and looked down at how you stared at her chest.

"Like this..." she informed you, placing her hands on top of yours, making you grope her. Her soft flesh in the palm of your hands felt nice, but also wildly illicit.

You softly squeezed, massaging them, fondling her breasts, taking your time. Looking up at her you got flustered seeing her biting her lip, with her eyes closed.

            "Sensitive?" you asked, your voice barely above a whisper, while sitting up.

"Mhm..." she mumbled, as you leaned down to meet her chest. You latched onto one of her breasts, sensually stimulating her skin with your tongue, softly nibbling at her nipple.

You then did the same to her other breast, savouring the feeling of her soft flesh on your tongue.

She looked so pretty, and she was warm and soft to the touch. Gently you pressed kisses from her breasts and up to her collarbone. Trying to feel every part of her. She tilted her head giving you access to her neck, and you placed sloppy wet kisses all over her sensitive skin.

            Lightly sucking, and nibbling at her skin, making small bruises on her flesh.

You softly kissed her jaw, and chin, until you finally pressed a gentle kiss on her lips.

She eagerly kissed you back, and you parted your lips, letting her slip inside. She was passionate and loving. Then she carefully started to unbutton your shirt and pulled away from your lips.

You pouted, but as soon as her forehead rested against yours, you smiled, brushing your nose with hers, making a small chuckle leave her mouth.

            Slowly, she undressed you, and threw your shirt away, her arms reached behind your back to unclasp your bra. She smirked as your breasts fell and threw your bra away too, then she carefully pushed you until you were laying on your back and she was hovering over you.

She leaned down, kissing you softly, making you moan into her mouth, your hands tugging at her hair. Making her way downwards, she pressed chaste kisses down your neck and collarbone until she could fondle with your breasts.

            She slowly licked your sensitive skin latching onto one of your breasts, only to do the same to your other breast, then she decided to sensually pinch your nipples, and watch intently as you squirmed under her.

Her hands trailed down your stomach and played with the hem of your underwear. Once again, she was teasing you because she had most definitely seen how soaked you were.

You pulled your underwear slightly down, and she removed your hands.

"So impatient..." she said, and you stared daggers at her, making her chuckle.

She intertwined one of her hands with yours, softly stroking your skin with her thumb.

            Soon enough she dragged your underwear down to your legs, giving her access.

Her slender fingers stroked your slit, gathering all your wetness.

"You weren't lying..." she said softly, chuckling afterwards.

"What?" you muttered out.

"You do need me to touch you..."

"Is this all you've thought about during the party?" she asked, digging for answers.

            "Pretty much..."

"Every time I laid my eyes on you, I got flustered... I remember you hugging me, talking on the couch, and when you placed your hand at my back... and when your fingers brushed mine when you gave me the glass of wine..."

"That's all you remember?" she asked, with her eyebrows raised in surprise.

All you did was nod as a response.

            "I'll give you something else to remember then..." she said, as her free hand found your core again. Her fingers slowly stimulated your clit, tender strokes making your legs twitch.

Your eyes met hers as her smile grew wider, she had you trembling under her in no time.

"Does this feel good?" she asked rhetorically, already knowing the answer.

You were so flustered you couldn't find any words to answer, so you nodded frantically.

            She leaned down, nibbling at your earlobe while she kept stimulating you.

"Does it feel good? Answer me, or I'll stop..." she whispered into your ear.

            "Yes... Brie, it does feel good... please don't stop."

"Then I won't stop... I promise," she whispered, pressing a soft kiss to your cheek.

Soft moans escaped your lips as she added a bit more pressure. "Do you want me to go faster?" she asked, trying to figure out what you liked best.

"Yes," you muttered out, feeling her movements speed up almost instantly.

            "Do you like to be penetrated?" she asked in a gentle tone, which made you feel like saying yes would be illegal, even though you knew it wasn't, at all.

You kept silent. "Don't be embarrassed, tell me... I want to make you feel good..." she hummed, as she kept focusing on your clit.

            "Yes..." you admitted, looking at her, searching her face. "Do you want me to-" she tried to ask but you cut her off, "just fuck me... Brie, okay?" you said, cupping her face with your free hand, staring at her.

"No more questions, I just... I want you inside of me," you went on, and before you could do or say anything else, she slipped two fingers inside of you.

She chuckled as a shocked expression covered your face before you then hung your head backwards as she stretched you out for her. "Not so innocent, are you?" she asked in a playful manner.

            All you did was moan at her words and how her fingers were pumping into you at an aggressive speed. She went as deep as she could, only stopping at her knuckles. Then she curled her fingers, hitting the spot inside of you that made you squirm.

            "Right there..." you said in between moans, as her thumb kept stroking your clit for each thrust with her fingers.

"You look so pretty, taking my fingers so well..." she softly said, praising you.

"Think you can take one more finger?" she asked, and your gaze landed on her, fear hiding in your eyes.

            "I don't know..." you answered her truthfully.

"I think you can do it..." she said, as she pulled out of you, only to thrust three fingers inside of you, slowly, she stretched you out.

She looked absolutely mesmerized, as her fingers disappeared inside of you. As your legs started shaking, she was quiet, like she contemplated something, and you didn't know what.

Then you felt her add another finger. Your mouth fell wide open, a throaty moan leaving your lips as she was halfway fisting you. It felt like you were going to pass out.

            "Fuck!" you screamed out, squeezing her hand that she had intertwined with yours a long time ago.

"You're doing so well for me..." she said tenderly, leaning down to kiss you, but you just breathed against her lips, unable to do or say anything as she pushed you over the edge.

Your thighs clenched together, trapping her hand, as immense pleasure took over your body.

            A guttural moan filled the room as you gripped her arm, nails digging into her flesh, slowing down her movements. "Brie... that was..." you said in between heavy breaths, carefully removing your hand as she gently stimulated your clit, riding out your orgasm.

It was almost too much, but her lips pressing kisses all over your chest brought you back to reality as you tried to catch your breath.

"It was good, right? Painful at first, then bearable, and pure bliss?" she asked, looking down at you.

"Mhm..." you agreed with her. Then your hand started stroking her outside of her underwear, like she had done with you at first.

"You don't have to... I get it if you're tired," she said and laughed softly.

"But I want to..."

She only nodded at your words and dragged her underwear down her legs.

            "You're wet..." you said, as her wetness coated your fingers.

Chuckling at your observation, she quickly shut up as you stroked her clit.

She looked down at you while you focused on your hand.

            "That can't be a comfortable position..." you said, sitting up, pushing her down.

"Spread your legs..." you told her, and soon enough she did.

            "Wait, are you really gonna..." she tried to speak but moaned as you started to eat her out.  She grabbed your hair and pulled you closer if that was even possible.

Your tongue swirled around her clit, making her shudder in anticipation. You lapped up all her wetness with your tongue, then went back to stimulating her.

            She tasted sweet. It was expected.  

Her thighs cradled your face, keeping you in place. It was safe to say that she had wanted this, judging by how fast she was starting to come undone.

She used her arms to support herself and looked down at you, her eyes meeting yours as you kept eating her out.

            Then you started sucking on her clit, and she threw her head backwards, moaning as you pleasured her. She became a mess, her legs shaking, closing by instinct as she grinded forwards, meeting your tongue each time.

You moaned into her core, sending shiver down her spine.

Roughly tugging at your hair, not letting you pull away meant that she was getting closer. You kept stimulating her, until she came while shaking, a loud whimper leaving her mouth that sounded more like a strangled cry.

            You licked up all her juices and swallowed as she looked down at you. "Fuck..." she panted, and you crawled over to her, resting your head on her chest, both feeling and hearing the rapid beating of her heart.

            "I'm so glad that you got so drunk you had to stay..." she said, pulling the covers over you.

"Me too Brie... me too," you answered, kissing her breasts as she caught her breath.

"You should rest... you're going to be so hungover."

            "And sore..." you said with a chuckle. All you heard was her soft laugh as you closed your eyes, drifting off into a peaceful slumber while her hand stroked your back.